Key Benefits:
- reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with drug overdoses
- reduce blood-borne infections including HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C
- enhance access for people who inject drugs to drug treatment, health and social welfare services
- reduce the "public nuisance" associated with drug injecting in streets, parks and other public places such as discarded needle syringes and other injecting paraphernalia
How the MSIC works:
- A discreet entrance with unsigned frosted glass is visible from Darlinghurst Road in Kings Cross.
- There is a one-way client flow system, with clients coming in from Darlinghurst Road and leaving from onto Kellett Street.
Stage 1
The Waiting Room and Assessment Area is where clients are assessed for eligibility to use the service. The assessment aims to:
- establish that the client is an exisiting injecting drug user, not aged under 18 years, not pregnant or accompanied by a child and not intoxicated
- collect clients' demographic information and medical history including previous drug overdose and treatment information .
Stage 2
The Injecting Room is a clinical environment with two trained staff, including a registered nurse, always on duty. It has eight open booths that can seat two people, allowing staff to supervise at all times.In the Injecting Room clients are given clean needle, advised on safer injecting practices and provided with first aid and other clinical services.
There are waste bins for used needles and a Resuscitation room to manage drug overdoses.
Stage 3
The After Care Area is where the clients remain under observation until they are ready to leave. Counsellors and social welfare staff are on hand to link clients with other services including housing, legal, social welfare drug treatment and rehabilitation.
Exit
Clients may leave the MSIC from the rear, on Kellett St. This door also allows ambulance access to the centre.
