Psychiatric Bulletin (2006) 30: 337-339. doi: 10.1192/pb.30.9.337
© 2006 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Psychiatric Bulletin (2006) 30: 337-339
© 2006 The Royal College of Psychiatrists

Setting up a methadone maintenance clinic in a hostel in London’s West End

John Dunn, Lead Consultant in Substance Misuse

Camden and Islington Mental Health and Social Care Trust, 457 Finchley Road, London NW3 6HN, email: john.dunn{at}royalfree.nhs.uk

David Robertson, Harm Reduction Clinical Nurse Specialist

South Camden Drug Service, Margarete Centre

Paul Davis, Head of Psychology

Camden and Islington Substance Misuse Services, Margarete Centre

Babak Khosrawan, Staff Grade Psychiatrist

North Camden Drug Service

Suneel Christian, Nurse

South Camden Drug Service, Margarete Centre, London.

Declaration of interest

None.

AIMS AND METHOD

A satellite methadone prescribing service was set up in a hostel in London’s West End. The aim was to investigate if it were feasible to engage and retain these hard-to-reach, chaotic, polydrug users in treatment. A basic needs assessment was undertaken with staff and clients at the hostel. Treatment outcomes were assessed at 16 weeks using the Maudsley Addiction Profile.

RESULTS

At 16 weeks 87% of the original cohort (26 out of 30) were still in treatment. There were also significant reductions in mean heroin use (from 29.7 to 14.5 out of the past 30 days, P<0.001) and in the frequency of injecting (from 25.9 to 15.9 days, P<0.001).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

This outreach clinic offers a model for developing services to homeless people with substance misuse problems.