The ANMF (Vic Branch), in partnership with Turning Point have collaborated to deliver customised introduction and advanced AOD training and education for the nursing and midwifery workforce across Victoria to improve early detection of AOD issues for patients, strengthen connection and referral to AOD expertise and improve client experience and outcomes in relation to addiction.
The high burden placed on the health workforce and health dollars is well-evidenced as health issues resulting from the misuse of alcohol or other drugs emerge in the health system. The need to develop skills and knowledge targeting nurses and midwives has been identified, as was the need for more trained workers and addiction specialists highlighted in the final report of Victoria’s Mental Health Royal Commission. This collaboration increases the capability of nurses and midwives working in non-AOD and AOD roles and settings.
Presenters
Sharon Patterson, Senior Education and Training Officer, Turning Point
Since 1995 Sharon has been employed by Turning Point as a Senior Education and Training Officer. Her work at Turning Point has included the development and delivery of training and education programs including Post Graduate level, for General Practitioners, nurses, primary care health workers and the Alcohol and Drug workforce.
Madeline Harradence, Assistant Secretary, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation
Madeleine Harradence is an experienced emergency nurse and Assistant Secretary of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victorian Branch), representing the professional, industrial and health and safety interests of nurses, midwives and personal care workers. In this role, she holds various portfolios including Alcohol and Other Drugs and Mental Health.
Rose McCrohan, Manager, Alcohol and Drug Nurse Practitioner, Uniting
Rose began working in AOD in 1992 in residential and non-residential withdrawal services currently managing Curran Place, Uniting’s 16-bed (4 Mother Baby Beds) residential Adult and Mother Baby Withdrawal service, Victoria’s only state-funded alcohol and drug mother-baby beds. Rose became Victoria’s first AOD Nurse Practitioner in 2009.