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- Dual Diagnosis Unit (DDU)
What we do
The Dual Diagnosis (DDU) unit is an eight bed voluntary residential unit designed to treat individuals with mental health and drug and/or alcohol dependency.
The unit is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week with two nursing staff on each shift. We also have a Medical Officer, Occupational Therapist and Social Worker. An expected stay on the unit will be three months, however this is subject to individual needs.
The model of care of the unit emphasises a person-centred approach to all engagements with people who use alcohol or other drugs and experience mental health problems, which conveys a holistic approach with an attitude of respect for the individual and their unique experience and needs.
A person-centred approach is individual, holistic and encourages and supports autonomy and personal decision-making.
Who we care for
Dual diagnosis is when a person is affected by both mental illness and the use of alcohol or drugs. The role of the dual diagnosis unit is to assist residents who want to cease or reduce their substance use.
We treat individuals experiencing moderate to severe co-occurring mental health and drug and/or alcohol dependency.
Residents must be managed by a lead clinician within the existing Bendigo Health Community Mental Health teams.
How to access this service
People will typically be referred into this service via the existing AOD/mental health services intake and assessment pathways.
The dual diagnosis unit can be contacted by a referral from your treating team. Please speak to staff if you would like assistance.
External referrals must be via [email protected]
Once the referral is received, an AOD and mental health assessment will take place to ascertain suitability for the program.
If accepted a lead clinician will be appointed.
Internal Referrals will be accepted directly via [email protected]
Dual Diagnosis Unit
- Home
- Our Services
- Mental Health Services
- Dual Diagnosis Unit (DDU)
How to refer your patient
People will typically be referred into this service via the existing internal Mental Health Services pathways.
The lead clinician, Inpatient and Residential Services, can refer with the completion of the same documentation currently required for referral to APARC i.e. SD5 current CASP 2, with the addition of a completed Alcohol and Other Drug Assessment SD8. The DDU will undertake an admission assessment prior to accepting a referral.
Continued cased management of a patient, accepted in the DDU program, can play an important role in supporting retention in the program and assisting with aftercare following placement completion
External referrals must be via [email protected]
Referring persons are asked to provide the following information:
Any recent presentation/concerns and any new findings and recent medical investigations (Pathology, neurological testing/reports, Histology and Medical Imaging).
A list of current medications (if prescribed), relevant patient history, relevant family history, any other information pertinent and that may assist in decision making with patient, family/carer about their care and treatment.
Clinical service overview
The program provides a high level of support with simultaneous psychiatry and addiction expertise.
There is an expected average stay of 3 months with individually tailored treatment plans that may result in shorter or longer stays depending on the specific needs.
People who are experiencing active and acute suicidal thinking and are at high risk of acting on their suicidal thoughts, or experiencing active and acute positive symptoms of psychosis or mania, should be stabilised in a mental health service prior to referral.
People still using drugs or who are going through acute withdrawal should be referred to an existing alcohol and other drug withdrawal service.
