A new era for North Richmond Medically Supervised Injecting Room

MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday 23 April 2024

North Richmond Health Partners has welcomed the State Government’s decision to appoint it as operator of the North Richmond Medically Supervised Injecting Room from 1 July 2024, saying it signals a new era for Victoria’s first supervised injecting facility.

A new health partnership, North Richmond Health Partners is made up of four longstanding, trusted health services: North Richmond Community Health, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Access Health and Community and Your Community Health.

North Richmond Community Health and Lead Partner CEO Simone Heald said the MSIR would benefit from the collective resourcing and expertise of all four partners, which between them boasted decades of experience across the community and primary health sectors in the local community.

“Each partner brings a wealth of experience in managing complex health programs across our city,” said Ms Heald. “I’m delighted they will be joining NRCH in developing a renewed, world-class approach to managing this important service.”

North Richmond Health Partners will establish an enhanced, comprehensive model of care for the MSIR, ensuring that vulnerable community members have greater access to wraparound treatment, care and support, including mental health and rehabilitation services. Under a new governance structure, the partnership will focus on actively engaging with local residents and traders to better address local community concerns, including increased safety and amenity measures.

“The enhanced model acknowledges the many complex factors that can contribute to long-term drug use, including experiences of trauma, poverty, homelessness, and unemployment,” said Ms Heald. “An integrated approach gives us the tools we need to bridge gaps in support networks, address the stigma surrounding addiction and ensure that no one is left behind.”

“We thank the Victorian Government and wider community for their commitment to this life-saving service and look forward to working shoulder to shoulder with St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Access Health and Community, and Your Community Health to meet the longer-term health and wellbeing needs of people experiencing drug addiction and the broader North Richmond community,” Ms Heald said.

North Richmond Health Partners acknowledges the dedicated healthcare workers at the MSIR for leading these incredible outcomes and will continue to implement and report progress on the recommendations provided by the Ryan Review.