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Primary Care NHS Trust
SPECIFIC WOMEN’S ISSUES
Primary Care NHS Trust
Specific Women’s Issues
This is a dedicated service for women who are currently using or have used
drugs and who may be reluctant to use mainstream services
Primary Care NHS Trust
Implications for Service Provision • Hidden• Difficult to get women to attend
traditional appointment based system – more pressing demands on time
• Distrusting – v – needy• Hard work
Primary Care NHS Trust
Drug Using Women
• Shared experience/circumstances as many other women
• Primary carers of children• Fear of drug using status becoming known• Poor general health• Reluctant to access services• In relationships with male I.V.D.U• Possibly in violent relationships• Chaotic lifestyle• marginalsied
Primary Care NHS Trust
Potential Problem AreasPotential Problem Areas
a) Fear that their drug using status becoming known results in loss of custody of their children
b) Strict appointment times may not be appropriate
c) No child care provision
Primary Care NHS Trust
Attracting Women into Services• Making women aware of service• Providing child care service• User friendly environment• User friendly staff - respectful - non judgemental - good knowledge base - good networks / referral• Being creative around appointment system
Primary Care NHS Trust
Where ???
Premises – safe, confidential and easily accessible for women to attend
Local Women’s Aid were contacted. Delighted to have us on board (makes a pleasant change)
The disused gents toilet and shower were converted into a clinic / treatment room
Primary Care NHS Trust
Women’s clinic
2003-2004 2004-2005
Contacts 206 163 (refurbished)
Primary Care NHS Trust
Operating the clinic on a “walk in” basis as well as appointments if requested.
Staffed by trained workers who have an interest in working with this client group.
Non- judgmental in their approach to drug using women.
Primary Care NHS Trust
Services available
Pregnancy testingContraceptive adviceSmear testingAnte – natal advice and referralHIV /Hepatitis testingNutritional informationNeedle exchangeSafer drug use adviceSupport and advocacy around issues of abuse/violenceReferral to appropriate specialist services if required.Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the service will be continuousData collection – uptake of serviceService users feedback & evaluation
Primary Care NHS Trust
Women’s Clinic
Services 2003-2004 2004-2005
Primary Health 60% 48%Sexual Health 55% 60%Family Planning 78% 80%Soft tissue damage clinic 43% 28%Needle exchange 80% 70%
Primary Care NHS Trust
Harm Reduction Services
Bentinck CentreEast Netherton StreetKILMARNOCKKA1 4AX
Tel: 01563 574237Fax: 01563 574238E-mail: [email protected]
