Our Launch of Naloxone
This project was an extension of work ongoing in Blackpool as part of a successful partnership within Horizon drug and alcohol treatment services and ongoing provision within Sefton Community. The population of Blackpool and Bootle experience poorer health/lower life expectancy than much of the rest of the country – seen across a range of health indicators including, hospital admissions for self-harm and alcohol related harm.. The most recent report re drug related deaths cited Blackpool as the highest in the country. As new service providers in Blackpool we identified that the issuing of Naloxone was not occurring. Many reasons were suggested including that our client group experience the most marginalised/isolated, compounding poor health expected outcomes. We proactively work with those people to improve health outcomes.
Aim
To increase awareness of overdose risks and actions to take.
To reduce fatal overdoses by issuing Naloxone
To improve health inequalities and outcomes in people living in Blackpool & Sefton
Method
Outlined on our pictorial journey on the poster .. from ‘who’s job is it’ , through the perceived and real barriers brought about by myths to a ‘Service user and staff consultation’ Training plan for staff and Naloxone Champions, Volunteers and peers • Launch and roll out May 2015 , targeted centres of highest need
Results
Following the launch it was identified that the service required an energy boost and commitment. Delphi Sefton team v Delphi Blackpool team were challenged to a competition against each other to determine which was the most dynamic team was, 207 kits issued in a 4 week period;.. A celebration indeed. 3 lives were saved within the four weeks. 7 ex service users were re-engaged back into treatment. Relationships with the Hostels, Ambulance and Police were enhanced. Confidence in staff was increased.
Conclusion
Our community services recognised the individual value of providing such a lifesaving medication. This service improvement has provided a firm governance foundation for the change in legislation in October when the settings will be revisited and further kits will be issued to family and workers.
Blackpool and Sefton is a safer place to be in October 2015 and Naloxone is one reason to be proud.
Co-Authors
Clinical Service Managers Lyndsey Davies , Karen Mottram Head of Medicines Management Colin Fearns
