BCHS Annual Report 2025 - Report - Page 37
Pharmacotherapy Clinic
celebrates innovation and impact
The Pharmacotherapy Clinic continues to evolve in response
to the changing needs of people experiencing opioid use
disorder, delivering high-impact, low-barrier care through
innovation and strong clinical leadership.
Adapted service delivery models
The Pharmacotherapy Clinic has expanded access to
specialist prescribing via a weekly telehealth session with
Western Health Addiction Medicine Specialist, Dr Thileepan
Naren. In the 昀椀rst three months of its operation, Dr Naren
was able to assist 25 people, including eight who were new to
service. It is now a core part of the clinic’s service provision,
improving access for clients and ensuring continuity of care.
LAIB growth
The nurse-led Long-Acting Injectable Buprenorphine (LAIB)
program has grown signi昀椀cantly, allowing this service to
be o昀昀ered two days a week. It provides safe, traumainformed access to evidence-based treatment, supported by
nurses who are skilled at patient engagement and relapse
prevention. This model has increased client access and
reduced pressure on prescribers.
Research and partnership
The clinic is partnering with Western Health on a research
project, Expanding Access: A Regional Telehealth Model for
Opioid Agonist Treatment. The aim of this is to strengthen the
evidence base and inform improved service models across
Victoria.
Future direction
To ensure we are building resilience into local
pharmacotherapy provision, work is beginning on a
Community of Practice. It is hoped this will assist with
knowledge sharing and strengthen the pharmacotherapy
workforce.
“Love the sta昀昀… [they]
always listen and assist
as much as they can.”
“Our goal is to reduce stigma, increase access,
and improve the long-term health outcomes of
individuals experiencing opioid use disorder.
Together, with our community partners, we
envision a future where every person can access
the care and support they need to rebuild their
lives.” – Carlotta Standen, Practice Manager
Community Pharmacotherapy
“The sta昀昀 love
everyone like
family.”
Using data to change culture
Senior Leader Insights and Analytics Jo
Rasmussen and Senior Leader AOD Wellbeing
Services Lisa Walklate held a captive audience
at the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association
(VAADA) conference in Melbourne in February
2025, sharing our outstanding results of drawing
on data to change culture.
Jo has developed an innovative system to use
data from our AOD services. Senior Leaders can
now see at a glance the who, what, where, when
and how of their team, and it’s motivating big and
positive changes.
It’s also highlighting AOD trends and changes
within our community so we can better advocate
and care for people now and into the future. It’s
been so positive, Jo is now developing like systems
for other BCHS services.
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