ADIS-Link direct referral service supports those in need

A new direct referral service launched by ADIS 24/7 is making life easier for patients seeking alcohol and drug support in Queensland, streamlining the process for callers to achieve treatment.

While patients may have previously shared their story several times before reaching a treatment service, the new ADIS-Link Direct Referral Service can organise the relevant treatment service to directly contact the patient within two business days of the first call to ADIS.

ADIS 24/7 Counsellor Jenny Mitchell said the service had been well-received since officially launching in mid-2019, following a successful trial model in 2017.

“We now have eight organisations linked into the program across Metro North, Metro South and Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Services, covering up to 25 treatment sites and providing treatment in counselling, withdrawal management, opioid replacement therapy, residential rehabilitation and day rehabilitation,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Most importantly, the program allows us to directly help the Queenslanders that call us – they can speak to one counsellor initially and we can support them in the next step, rather than the patient having to repeat their story and bouncing around between service providers.

“We have very in-depth conversations with our callers and it can be frustrating for them to have the same conversation with another person via another number, when they just want action and to be helped – the feedback on the referral service has been unanimously positive.”

During January to May 2020, ADIS-Link provided 195 assertive referrals to Metro North and Metro South services.