The NSW
Government today announced a major enhancement of drug and alcohol services in
Redfern with the establishment of a new primary health care facility to replace
the existing mobile needle exchange van.
The Premier
of NSW, Mr Bob Carr, said the new
$1.5 million facility, to be located in Lawson St, will provide an expanded range
of health and medical services not currently provided by the mobile needle
exchange van.
“The
community has expressed its serious, justifiable, reservations about the
van,” Mr Carr said.
“It is
clear that it is now time to move forward, and the van will be closed.
‘Redfern has a transitory population, a major transport hub
and a pocket of disadvantage -this is what makes it unique.
“The
Government has made the tough decision to close the van at Redfern and open an
enhanced health care facility run by the Central Sydney Area Health Service.
“This
health care facility will offer case management including a range of drug and
alcohol services and an improved needle and syringe exchange.
“While
I understand some peoples’
reservations about the needle and syringe program, as a community we must
recognise that this program has resulted in Australia having some of the lowest
HIV and hepatitis C rates in the world.
“Authoritative
studies show that Australia’s early adoption of needle exchange programs has
prevented more than 25,000 HIV infections and 21,000 cases of Hepatitis C
between 1991 and 2000.
“We
cannot turn our backs on the evidence which tells us these programs help
prevent the spread of these diseases,” Mr Carr said.
The new
health care facility will provide:
- Drug and alcohol related medical
services including health assessments, treatment and care of drug related
illnesses and a needle and syringe exchange; - Psychosocial support services
including referrals into rehabilitation and counselling; - Enhanced Aboriginal Health Service
activities including mental health, cardiovascular, legal and family support
services; - Specialist visiting services
including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C screening, sexual health, antenatal and post
natal care.
The Premier
rejected any suggestion for a Medically Supervised Injecting Room to be located
in Redfern.
“Redfern
is the wrong place for such a facility,” Mr Carr said.
“The
Government has only one trial for a medically supervised injecting room, which
is currently operating in Kings Cross, I will not be changing this.
The
establishment of a fixed primary health care facility goes above and beyond the
recommendations of the Upper House Inquiry into Issues Relating to Redfern and Waterloo.
The Health
Department is currently finalising the purchase of premises in Lawson St, which
will be refurbished to provide suitable medical services.