Primary Health Networks (PHNs) were established with the key objectives of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes, and improving coordination of care to ensure patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

The South Eastern Melbourne PHN catchment encompasses an area comprising 1.6 million people and stretches from St Kilda to Sorrento and as far east as Bunyip, including the major population hubs of Monash, Dandenong, Moorabbin, Caulfield, Cranbourne, Frankston and Pakenham.

From 1 July, 2016 PHNs adopted a commissioning approach to procuring medical and health care services which is based on an assessment of the health and wellbeing needs of the community. This work determines the priority areas and guides the scope of the commissioning process.

The South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN) is pleased to invite Tenders to deliver LGBTIQ-specific AOD Service (the ‘Service’) to consumers within the SEMPHN catchment. SEMPHN is seeking to engage an organisation to deliver the Service within the SEMPHN catchment. Funding of up to $750,000 (ex GST) will be provided to deliver the Service. Funding Applications from consortiums and partnerships will be considered.

The Successful Service Provider will be contracted from early/mid December 2022. Following a service implementation period, the Services will be delivered from 01 February 2023 through to 30 June 2024 (subject to confirmation of funding from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care).

SEMPHN is seeking to commission a comprehensive, innovative, evidence-driven lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual, intersex or questioning (LGBTIQ)-specific AOD treatment service.

Models of care may include a combination of the following in-scope treatment types:

o Early intervention targeting less problematic drug use, including brief intervention

o Counselling

o Withdrawal management with pathways to post-acute withdrawal support and relapse prevention

o Day stay rehabilitation and other intensive non-residential programs

o Post rehabilitation support, aftercare support and relapse prevention

o Case management, care planning and coordination.

The aim of the service is to reduce drug use within a framework that includes service elements and strategies to reduce the negative impact of factors impeding successful recovery, including:

o Co-morbid mental and physical health

o Homophobia/transphobia

o Stigma

o Family problems

o Social isolation

o Domestic violence

o Sexual health

Treatment may include a variety of clinical and psychoeducational elements targeting AOD and co-occurring disorders. These elements may include individual and group-based therapies (eg. motivational interviewing, peer support, family interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), etc.). Availability of on-site multi-disciplinary services ( including, but not limited to mental health support, GP services, housing services, employment/education services, etc.) are highly favourable.