It will take the amount of beds at the Bendigo centre up to five.

Bendigo Community Health Services general manager  of primary health integrated care, Cheryl Sobczyk, said the withdrawal bed could be accessed by any Victorian.

“It ensures people have the extra option of withdrawal in a regional area,” she said.

She said the majority of clients were referred from the Loddon Mallee or Grampians regions, while others picked Bendigo because they preferred to be treated in a regional setting.

“Patients have the option to choose where they want a bed,” she said.

“Some choose rural or regional settings. 

“In Bendigo it is different to a public hospital; it is a low-moderate community residential unit. 

“It’s a more home-like environment.”

Ms Sobczyk said she was unsure whether the increase in beds would decrease the amount of waiting time for clients seeking treatment.

Victorian government Mental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge said the new beds were part of the broader reform of drug treatment services in Victoria.

“The increase means there will be 286 adult drug and alcohol residential beds around the state, comprising of 108 withdrawal beds and 178 rehabilitation beds,” she said.