Overdose prevention site

The overdose prevention site (OPS) at St. Paul’s Hospital is operated by Providence Health Care. It offers a non-judgmental and safer place to use drugs. It is accessible to all St. Paul’s Hospital patients including admitted patients, patients in the Emergency Department, and patients attending our clinics. In addition to overdose management and monitoring, the OPS offers a variety of harm reduction services.

Two nurses and peer support workers currently staff the OPS. In early 2024, it will transition to a purely peer-led model. It will be staffed by a Providence Peer OPS coordinator and three peer support workers, contracted from Raincity Housing.

All peer support workers are trained in advanced overdose management techniques (e.g., use of naloxone and use of oxygen,). In addition to monitoring the injection site, peers take on an active role in patrolling the 4th floor gardens to observe and assist with overdoses in the outdoor space.

Peers monitor overdoses and call a code blue, if required. Code blue indicates a medical emergency and triggers immediate response from hospital medical staff.

The OPS site offers the following services:

• overdose management and intervention
• take-home naloxone kits and training
• access to safer drug supplies including clean injection supplies (e.g., needles, alcohol swabs) and clean inhalation supplies (e.g., stems, screens, bowl pipes), as well as safe needle disposal
• peer support – harm reduction education
• drug testing for fentanyl

These services are provided in partnership with RainCity Housing.

Rights & responsibilities of site participants

Participants have the right to:

• Be treated with respect, dignity, and without judgement
• Be safe
• Be informed about your care, ask questions, and tell us your concerns,
• Share your ideas and provide constructive feedback
• Have your health information kept confidential and only shared with members of your care team

Participants have the responsibility to:

• Treat other participants and staff with respect
• Respect the privacy of others
• Value the safety and well-being of others by not using abusive language or threatening people
• Assaults, violence and use of weapons will not be tolerated
• Not deal, share or exchange items in the clinic
• Be responsible for your own belongings and respect the property of others
• Reduce harm by not sharing rigs or equipment, not walking around with uncapped rigs, and disposing of used supplies in the sharp container
• Follow directions of OPS staff

The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca.

Room 4007, Providence Building, St. Paul's Hospital

Located in St. Paul's Hospital beside the cafeteria on the 4th floor of the Providence Building.

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