COLLABORATIVE OUTREACH

Author: Gallaher K, Spratt L

Theme: Models of Care Year: 2025
Background:
The main transmission route of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Scotland is through injecting drug use. In recent years Lothian has seen an increase in the prevalence of cocaine injecting and HCV re infection rates resulting in further harms to the PWID population.
Outreach collaborative working with the Blood Borne Virus Team (BBV), harm reduction team (HRT) and homeless services within Edinburgh city centre has helped to reduce barriers & stigma to support BBV testing & treatment for people who inject drugs (PWID).
The WAND initiative– Wound care, Air-tool, Naloxone and dry blood spot testing, launched in Lothian by the HRT has assisted in increasing access to BBV testing, treatment and healthcare assessment ensuring that those who do not access static clinics are assessed and reviewed.

Description of model of care:
Weekly collaborative working with NHS BBV & HRT outreach teams in city centre hostels.
Fortnightly clinic within a city centre homeless hub.
Improved communication and collaboration between services.
Improved access to harm reduction services, BBV screening and treatment.

Effectiveness:
Increase in the number of people being tested and supported into treatment for substance use, BBV’s and related harms.
Reduced stigma and normalisation of BBV testing with the community.
Holistic response to patients looking at social and healthcare needs in tandem to give the individual person centered care.

Conclusion and next steps:
Awareness raising and education for PWID.
Education and training of staff within services.
Improved links with wound clinics & opiate replacement therapy (OST) services.
Improved care for dual stigmatized groups (PWID who have a BBV).
Community social prescribing i.e. referring into YOGA, walking groups, welfare advisors & support groups.
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