A purpose-built 28-bed centre, providing specialist alcohol and other drug treatment for the Wide Bay community, is up and running.
The new Bundaberg adult residential rehabilitation and withdrawal service will be operated by Queensland Health and Lives Lived Well, a non-government organisation with expertise in the delivery of specialist alcohol and other drug treatment.
The service offers comprehensive support to individuals aged 18 and over experiencing problematic substance use.
The state of the art centre includes 20 residential rehabilitation beds, an eight-bed withdrawal unit, indoor and outdoor recreational spaces, a reception area, office space, staff accommodation, parking, a treatment program area, and kitchen and laundry facilities.
The voluntary service will support clients through a multifaceted approach that includes live-in and bed-based treatment, including withdrawal management, rehabilitation programs, and other therapeutic activities.
The new centre will also provide culturally safe care for First Nations people and support community reintegration and recovery.
The State Government says it’s focused on providing better access to health services for all Queenslanders, no matter which part of the state they live in.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the residential treatment service was a gamechanger to support adults in the Wide Bay region to overcome problematic alcohol and other drug use.
“Making sure Queenslanders can get specialist support when they need it is crucial to their journey from addiction,” Minister Nicholls said.
“Lives Lived Well has strong experience as a provider of alcohol and drug treatment to operate this new Bundaberg centre.
“Their expertise will make a real difference to the long-term health and wellbeing of those seeking help.”
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the new service was essential for the Wide Bay area.
“We know, that with the right care, we can address the complex needs of individuals experiencing problematic alcohol and other drug use,” Mr Bennett said.
“It’s a privilege to stand here today and join our amazing health heroes and Lives Lived Well partners to officially open the service.
“Residential rehabilitation and withdrawal services benefit communities by offering earlier access to more structured and intensive treatment, enabling individuals to make positive behavioural changes and reduce stress on families.
“Lives Lived Well will be working closely with the Hospital and Health Service and other local services and stakeholders to deliver and facilitate the care people need, closer to home.”
Lives Lived Well CEO Mitchell Giles said the organisation was proud to operate the new residential and withdrawal service.
“We are pleased to have stewardship of this facility and to be able to deliver evidence-based care in such a therapeutic environment,” Mr Giles said.
“Having the right support at the right time can make a big difference in recovery. With this service now available closer to home, people in the Wide Bay region have a safe space to make positive changes and build a foundation for lasting recovery.
