This presentation will discuss projects designed to bring services together to address the “cracks” in the system for people with co-occurring mental health and drug and alcohol conditions. The aims of the projects were to improve the identification of, and treatment or assistance (where appropriate) for people with co-occurring serious mental health and drug and alcohol conditions. This included a focus on increasing collaboration between clinical teams to ensure better co-ordination of care for this population. South Eastern Sydney Local Health District received funding for the projects from the Mindgardens Neuroscience Network. 

Professor Lintzeris is the Director of Drug and Alcohol Services, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District; Conjoint Professor, Discipline Addiction Medicine, Central Clinical School, University of Sydney; and President elect, Chapter of Addiction Medicine, Royal Australian College of Physicians. 

Dr Sandra Sunjic is Project Manager of the Drug and Alcohol Service, Surry Hills, NSW Health.