Our Nursing Service

BDP offers a range of services to meet the varying needs of people who use drugs.

The use of substances can cause increased health risks such as heightened risk of HIV and Hepatitis C infection, poor mental health and vulnerability to illness.

People who use drugs can also be more vulnerable to structural barriers to healthcare services including homelessness, imprisonment and discrimination.

In attempt to remove these barriers to healthcare and break the stigma, BDP offer a drop-in nursing service 5 days a week.

Meet our nurses

Matt and Kirsten provide the clinical service at BDP. Kirsten is a nurse, and Matt is a specialist paramedic.

They provide a nursing service Monday to Friday with a drop-in at BDP and an outreach service, often liaising with other professionals involved in the client’s journey.

Matt and Kirsten provide most services you would receive at a GP; from helping people with minor injuries and illness to chronic diseases, substance use, mental health and housing problems.

Our nurses can also help you register with the homeless health service if this is something you need or want.

How can our nursing service help?

Our nurses provide a range of different support including:

• Wound care, cleaning and dressing
• General advice
• Help with general illness/injury
• Navigation of healthcare pathways and services
• Advocacy with other healthcare providers
• Diabetes
• Chronic disease management
• Health checks
• Vaccinations
• Pabrinex
• Prescribing
• Safeguarding
• Renal problems                
• Street sex work
• Pregnancy testing
• Sexual health testing
• Outreach

What if I already have a GP?

Our nurses can assess and treat people who have their own GP but may be finding it difficult to access appointments. Some people will have one-off consultations and some will be seen for many months, depending on the need.

How have our nurses helped?

“We often see people with complex problems. One client we saw ‘James’ was street homeless and had large leg wounds. Over time James trusted us and allowed us to dress his legs, they’re nearly healed now and much less painful.”

Kirsten and Matt visited James in hospital when he had an emergency admission and helped him access support and housing upon his discharge. James also struggled with his breathing and was given treatment to improve his cough. Matt and Kirsten helped him to access a regular GP and now drops into BDP occasionally to say hello, or to bring his friends in for care too!

Our nurses are informal, friendly, non-judgemental and trauma-informed. We know how hard it can be to navigate health and social care and are happy to advocate for you.

“We are not scary and will never lecture you! We appreciate it can be hard to ask for help, but we’re here if you need it.”