How do we ensure in this time of limited resources and budgetary obligations that clients receive the right care, at the right time, by the right team and in the right place. Huntington’s Victoria (HV) in collaboration with RMH have responded collectively to this real dilemma through the development of a model of care. HV is a not for profit organisation funded by the Victorian Government and public sources. We are the only specialist service in Victoria to support and assist people affected by Huntington’s disease (HD). We aim to improve the quality of life of all people touched by HD in Victoria by connecting families to the vital support and services they need, while supporting people affected by HD. The Royal Melbourne Hospital Neuropsychiatry Unit is the clinical unit of the Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre. It is a state-wide specialist mental health service that offers neuropsychiatric assessment and advice to psychiatric, neurological and other medical and mental health services. In addition, the unit is involved in a range of world-leading research endeavours, innovative educational programmes, and training of mental health clinicians to meet the future specialised mental health needs of the community.

The HV/RMH model of care broadly describes the way both agencies coordinate and deliver services together. Its purpose is to provide best practice care and services for the HD community as they progress through the stages of HD. The core components of the HV/RMH model are:

• promoting optimal physical and mental health

• capacity building and opportunities to improve social participation to maintain or promote a person’s capacity to live as independently as possible

• a holistic person-centred approach to care

• promoting active participation in goal setting and decision making

• timely and flexible services that respond to a person and their family’s needs and circumstances in order to maximise independence and support the care relationship

• a collaborative response to need for the benefit of the clients utilising the services.