Medically supervised injecting room to continue

Following the initial five year trial of the Medically Supervised Injecting Room (MSIR) in North Richmond, with much consultation and public debate, the Victorian Government has introduced legislation to make the MSIR ongoing at its current location in North Richmond.

The MSIR provides a safety-first, medical approach focused on harm reduction. It delivers onsite healthcare and provides immediate medical care to an overdose.

It is also a gateway for clients to link with other health and social services, ensuring they have access to the full range of treatment and support they need to reduce harm from their drug use and ultimately overcome their drug dependency.  An aim is to reduce overdose deaths and harm as well as the incidence of public injecting and the number of discarded needles and syringes in public areas.

LiverWELL supports the MSIR as the incidence of hepatitis infections caused by injecting drug use is reduced with a safe and hygienic environment and equipment.  Supportive health workers at the MSIR are also able to promote understanding of hepatitis and encourage testing and treatment.

Since opening in June 2018, staff at the MSIR have safely managed more than 6750 overdoses and provided thousands of health and social support interventions including blood-borne virus treatment, alcohol and drug treatment, mental health support and material aid.

More detail about services provided at the MSIR are available from North Richmond Community Health.