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 Areas Potential 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 Contacts (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 testing Contraceptive advice Smear testing Ante – natal advice and referral HIV /Hepatitis testing Nutritional information Needle exchange Safer drug use advice Support and advocacy around issues of abuse/violence Referral to appropriate specialist services if required. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the service will be continuous Data collection – uptake of service Service users feedback & evaluation

Primary Care NHS Trust Women’s Clinic Services Primary Health60%48% Sexual Health55%60% Family Planning78%80% Soft tissue damage clinic43%28% Needle exchange80%70%

Primary Care NHS Trust Harm Reduction Services Bentinck Centre East Netherton Street KILMARNOCK KA1 4AX Tel: Fax: