News

New partnership for autism support in Mildura

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 05:20:00

Accessing diagnosis and support for people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder has been simplified through a new partnership between Mildura Base Hospital and Sunraysia Community Health Services.

The MBH and SCHS partnership has been appointed by the new Murray Primary Health Network to create simpler and more localised access to service and support for families using Autism services.
Mildura Base Hospital’s Director of Mental Health Services Belinda Pavilach said the MBH Autism Spectrum Support and Evaluation Team (ASSET) was the lead agency in the partnership, and was working to ensure a seamless transition to the new service.
“Mildura Base Hospital has been working in this space through our ASSET team, which has been in place for 15 years,” Ms Pavilach said 
“Our process for referral and assessment will be the same one we have had in place since 2010, so for many families they will notice very little change, but we are pleased that funding is available to expand on our model of care with additional clinicians and services provided locally ” she said.
Ms Pavilach said a large number of families were already engaged with local services and the ASSET team is in the process of contacting service providers to ensure they are aware of the new arrangements and to help clients engage with the services.
“Consent forms have been sent to families by the former provider Lower Murray Medicare Local, seeking approval to transfer client records to the new service providers,” she said.
“As we are receiving those client details, we are contacting families, but we are happy for anyone, either current clients or those who are potential future clients, to contact us directly. We understand that Autism can put a lot of stress on families and we are aiming to guide and support families through what can be a daunting and confusing time.”
SCHS General Manager of Service Delivery Ruth Fox said the emphasis of the new partnership was on providing a more streamlined and simple service.
“We are very committed to working with local service providers and to lead the work that needs to be done to build the level of services available locally,” Ms Fox said.
“The ASSET team will continue its role of providing comprehensive Autism diagnosis, as well as linking families in to therapy and support services.” Anyone wanting to get further information or access to the Autism Spectrum Disorder services should contact the ASSET Team on 5022 3500.