In this episode, Annie Williams, Clinical Transformation Lead at Hamilton Centre, welcomes Dr Thileepan Naren, a GP and Addiction Medicine Specialist with interests and experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare, custodial health, and drug and alcohol management, along with Tracy Wrigley, a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in the AOD sector, as well as health service redesign and clinician education in Australia and the UK.

They highlight the importance of collaboration between the mental health and addiction sectors in delivering integrated care, discussing barriers to seamless integration and the need for education and stigma reduction. The Hamilton Centre plays a pivotal role in treating patients with co-occurring conditions and amplifying the voices of marginalised individuals. 

Including people with lived and living experiences in the interdisciplinary team is crucial for promoting integrated care. The guests advise service providers seeking to implement or improve integrated care initiatives, emphasising the importance of involving individuals with lived experience in the planning and decision-making process. They also express excitement about the Hamilton Centre's future expansion into rural and regional areas, aiming to reach and support more people. 

Takeaways:

• Collaboration between the mental health and addiction sectors is vital for integrated care delivery.
• Education and stigma reduction are crucial for overcoming integration barriers.
• The Hamilton Centre plays a pivotal role in treating patients with dual diagnoses and advocating for marginalised individuals.
• Involving people with lived experience in the interdisciplinary team is essential for promoting integrated care.
• Service providers should involve individuals with lived experience in planning and decision-making for integrated care initiatives.