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Safer
Injecting: |
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Clients
often frequent the service due to poor injecting technique.
This can be problematic and can lead to the development
of abscesses, cellulitis, tissue depravation and potential
loss of limbs. The Nurse Practitioner will offer advice
and support regarding appropriate injecting equipment and
will offer education in identifying veins and a more effective
injecting technique. This intervention has been instrumental
in reducing the number of horrific injuries sustained due
to poor injecting practices. |
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Safer Drug Use: |
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The unit provides
an extensive library for clients and the general public
to access information relating to a wide range of topics
including drug use and all aspects of HIV and Hepatitis.
Members of the public are offered in-depth advice, support
and information about issues affecting themselves and their
families. |
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Safer Sex Advice: |
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Condoms are provided free
from the unit as well as information and advice on many
aspects of sexual activity. The Nurse Practitioners are
often the first trusted health workers to treat suspected
Genito-urinary infections. Free pregnancy tests are available,
family planning and contraception advice are also given.
The unit provides an innovative clinic for male and female
sex workers described in greater detail on the sexual
health prescribing
scheme page. |
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Hepatitis B Vaccination: |
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A recent pilot project has been
initiated providing a course of Hep B vaccinations to a
group of 50 clients. Sex workers are prioritised for the
scheme and Outreach Workers and the Women's Services refer
the rest. This project has recently been evaluated and the
feasibility of a full-scale programme, costs, staffing etc.
has been planned. Wirral DAT has recently agreed to fund
the scheme further and there are plans for a further 150
places by the end of this year. A dedicated nurse will be
employed this year, 2002, to pursue the schemes objectives
– to offer hepatitis B vaccination to all drug injectors
on the Wirral. |
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Hepatitis
C Support Group: |
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In
response to client needs, the unit now provides a monthly
Hepatitis C support group. Clients were reporting lack of
support and information regarding their illness and moved
to form their own support network. The group provides an
opportunity for clients to access information about symptom
control, diet and drug use and the effects on the liver.
Other disciplines have provided sessions on aromatherapy,
acupuncture, reflexology etc. The group is well attended
and clients report incorporating different therapies into
their lives. |
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Well
Drug Users Clinic: |
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This
clinic provides a comprehensive health assessment and screening
facility to clients who may not otherwise access any health
services normally available. Many clients feel unable to
approach their own GP with drug related/health problems.
Clients can refer themselves or may be referred by their
GP who may feel it more appropriate to have their patients
seen by specialist drug workers. The nurse practitioners
will identify any illness and initiate the relevant treatment;
advice and the promotion of healthy lifestyles are an important
element of this initiative. |
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Steroid
Users Clinic: |
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Open every Monday evening,
this clinic offers the range of services available to injecting
drug users, to those who would not normally associate themselves
with our more 'usual' client group. They come from gyms,
body building centres etc. and can still pose a threat to
themselves and others because of their use of injectable
drugs. Much of what the unit can offer is highly applicable
to this group of people including liver function tests and
awareness of what they are actually injecting, often not
what was bought from suppliers. |
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Stimulant Users Detoxification
Programme: |
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In an attempt to respond
to the growing number of clients with stimulant problems,
cocaine and amphetamines a short detox can be provided through
the unit's nurse practitioners, using benzodiazepines and
anti-depressants. Clients must be well motivated and are
supported for up to 6 weeks, being seen several times a
week. This project has recently been evaluated and a bid
is now in place to expand this service. The expansion is
envisaged to include 2 full time alternative therapy workers
and access to in-patient beds at our local re-hab, Phoenix
House. |
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