The HSE have given new guidelines for people who are not linked in with a clinic and are not currently receiving any methadone therapy.
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- the person is a known opioid dependent person through engagement with a service.
- there are track marks visible.
- the person has a previous history and has been on opioid substitution therapy treatment before and this can be verified through central treatment list
- the person is/was in treatment in another area.
The Process that will be involved is:
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- An assessment will be carried out with a level 2 GP via a video link
- You will be asked to send a photo of yourself to the level 2 GP to confirm your identity
- The level 2 GP will assess the presence of opioid via point of care testing
- The level 2 GP will complete a form with a photo of you attached. This will be sent to Central Treatment List (CTL) for processing
- The level 2 GP will liaise with a GP coordinator and the pharmacy to arrange methadone dispensing
- A treatment card will be issued electronically
- You will receive induction about methadone maintenance and you will be initially prescribed 20mg as part of the safe induction process
- Please note: Emergency induction is likely to be required when a person with opioid addiction is required to enter isolation due to possible or confirmed COVID 19 infection.
If you or anyone you know would like to access support for this assessment contact:
Brendan Donohoe from Rialto Community Drug Team at: 01 454 0021
Brendan will guide you through taking the steps above.