By Jeremy Sollars
DRUG Arm has moved to quash rumours it is closing down its service in Warwick due to health and safety concerns over its Grafton Street premises.
Queensland Health funds Drug Arm’s ‘Creating Options’ alcohol and other drug clinical program in Warwick, with its outreach worker based on Grafton Street opposite St Mark’s church.
Local concerns had been raised with the Free Times that the premises were the subject of a health and safety investigation which could jeopardise the service, including issues related to security of staff in the event of an incident.
It has also been suggested Drug Arm would benefit from being located near the courthouse and police station, potentially in the State Government building at the corner of Guy and Fitzroy streets where there is significant empty space.
Drug Arm national programs manager Richard Norman told the Free Times he was not aware of any formal complaints having been made over workplace health and safety and said the Warwick service was not under threat of closure.
“We have robust health and safety procedures and we do regular site audits,” Mr Norman said.
“Our staff conduct appointments in the office but they also do home and other external visits.
“As far as relocation is concerned there is nothing on the radar at the moment, but obviously if there were benefits, particularly with co-location with other services, then we’d certainly look at that if it meant we were able to improve our services.
“But we haven’t had any formal or even informal approaches from anyone.”
Mr Norman also said reports that Drug Arm had been without a worker for several months were incorrect.
“Our previous worker was with us there for around 18 months and left after finding another position,” he said.
“Our recruitment process took about a month to get a new worker in place.”
For information on accessing Drug Arm services and programs call 1300 656 800.
