Blood Borne Virus (BBV) Stabilisation Unit

The Blood Borne Virus Stabilisation Respite Unit provides care to clients over the age of 18, who have experienced homelessness and or at risk of homelessness, who may also have complex needs such as alcohol and/or drug addiction and other complex health problems such as HIV, Hepatitis C or mental health issues.

The Blood Borne Virus Stabilisation Respite Unit is located in our dedicated homeless-specific Health and Addiction Care Facility at Usher’s Island.

Referral Portal

Blood Borne Virus (BBV) Stabilisation Unit

What We Do

Each client has an individualised care plan. Clients are stabilised on their prescribed medication and where required are supported medically, and through nursing assessment and withdrawal, management to reduce their drug/alcohol use.

The Programme

Clients who have disengaged from their Infectious Disease Clinic are supported to re-engage. Clients are also supported to access new Infectious disease treatments as required, for example Hepatitis C Treatment. Blood Borne Virus support is provided which includes health education for clients and one to one nursing support. Access to on-site counselling is provided.

Group Work

Clients participate in daily group work such as substance misuse and Reduce the Use program, health education including medication management, HIV/Hep C education, sexual health and personal development.

Individual Support

Each client is assigned a key worker, who works with clients linking them with appropriate external services, debt management, housing, legal issues, benefits, resettlement and, where appropriate, support with child protection issues.

Blood Borne Virus (BBV) Stabilisation Unit Programme

The BBV Stabilisation Unit consists of a Clinical Nurse Manager, Visiting GP, Nurses, Project workers and Support workers.

There is a qualified nursing staff on duty 24 hours a day responsible for supporting clients with complex health problems i.e. mental health issues, physical health needs and withdrawals.

Medical care is provided by visiting GP’s who attend the service Monday to Friday.

Each client is assigned a key worker, who works with clients linking them with appropriate external services.

Appropriate accommodation options are explored and support around family issues, mental health issues and addiction is provided.

Eligibility Criteria

18 years and over, male or female.

Registered as homeless with any of the four Dublin local authorities.

HIV positive clients with complex needs which may include Hep C, mental health problems and/or drug & alcohol addiction.

Clients who want to engage in a stabilization/respite program in order to improve their health and lifestyle and live independently.

Referrals are accepted from Homeless Agencies, Central Placement Service, GPs and other Addiction Treatment Centers. It is expected the referral agency will have a plan in place for what happens after completion of the treatment program.

Referrals

Referrals: There is a detailed referral form which can be completed electronically below or alternatively by calling the Respite Stabilisation unit. Please ensure that the form is completed in full with a signed Doctors letter attached, certifying that the client is fit for Stabilisation/Respite. There are additional requirements for clients on methadone which are explained in more detail on the referral form.

Contact Us

(01) 6498601

Email :referrals@dubsimon.ie

Referral Portal