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Empower yourself with naloxone - moving forward with naloxone prescribing in Southwark, London
Mags O'Sullivan, Senior Substance Misuse Nurse, Blackfriars Community Drug & Alcohol Team, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
Abstract
Issue
Blackfriars CDAT is a busy NHS prescribing service based in London. There is a history of opiate overdose amongst our service users. In response we have developed innovative ways of providing naloxone and overdose training to clients.
Setting
Blackfriars CDAT is part of South London and Maudsley NHS Trust. It is based in Southwark, London. We have 400+ clients, the majority of whom are opiate users, ranging from stable clients on buprenorphine or methadone, to a large group of poly-drug and alcohol using clients.
After successfully piloting provision of naloxone /overdose training in a local hostel, we have rolled out full-service provision from August 2008.
Project
The aim of the project is to provide take home naloxone and overdose training to clients. We have recruited two 'naloxone champions' from our service users, who have been involved in reviewing the training and promotion. A large part of the project has involved increasing staff confidence and motivation. Take home naloxone is provided on a low-key informal level via drop-in or one to one sessions. Clients are encouraged to report any subsequent uses and provide accounts of their
experience.
Outcomes
Over 150 naloxone kits have been issued alongside overdose training. There have been 25 reported overdose reversals. We are developing innovative ways of providing this service to hostels, satellite
clinics and needle exchange users. We also promote the use of naloxone, and act as a resource, amongst other London drug services and user forums.
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Biography
Mags O' Sullivan is both a general and mental health trained nurse and has worked at Blackfriars CDAT for the past 4 years. She runs the inhouse prescribing clinic at a St Mungo's hostel and is now the lead in the provision of naloxone.
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