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Alcohol and Other Drug Withdrawal Management Policy

MP 0062/17 - Alcohol and Other Drug Withdrawal Management Policy (pdf 173KB)

Applicable to: This Policy is applicable to the Child and Adolescent Health Service, East Metropolitan Health Service, North Metropolitan Health Service, South Metropolitan Health Service and WA Country Health Service. To the extent that the requirements contained within this Policy are applicable to the services purchased from contracted health entities, Health Service Providers are responsible for ensuring these requirements are accurately reflected in the relevant contract and managed accordingly.

Description: The Alcohol and Other Drug Withdrawal Management Policy (the Policy) aims to:

ensure that those requiring Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) withdrawal treatment receive timely clinical care, including activating appropriate referral pathways where required
establish mechanisms for improving access to locally provided planned and unplanned AOD withdrawal services across Western Australia (WA), or referral to suitable services
support continuity of care by facilitating care and discharge planning, including to local rehabilitation services.

Ensuring that patients receive the right care at the right time and place, can prevent and reduce the adverse impacts of alcohol and/or other drug dependence.

Health Service Providers must provide access to a range of available AOD services closer to home, which may include inpatient, outpatient and community based AOD withdrawal services, to meet the needs of their communities. Access to these services may help support people in their ongoing journey to obtain follow up care and support as required.

This Policy is a mandatory requirement under the Mental Health Policy Framework pursuant to section 26(2)(a, c) of the Health Services Act 2016.

Date of effect: 28 June 2021