Methadone Programme

CONFIDENTIALITY

The information you provide to the Methadone Clinic staff is recorded in your notes and is confidential to the clinic. Your permission is required before the release of any information that may identify you to a person or agency not involved in your treatment. An exception to this is where safety issues for yourself or another person is at risk. If this were the case all issues would be discussed with you before releasing any confidential information.

Note: Files can be requested by Ministry of Justice (Courts) and Child Youth and Family Service.

ASSESSMENT FOR THE METHADONE PROGRAMME

As soon as it can be arranged, you will be given an appointment for a comprehensive assessment. This will determine whether methadone is an appropriate treatment for you or not.

WHAT DOES THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS INVOLVE

  1. 1. Completing a comprehensive assessment with the clinic staff and discussing your drug use, medical, personal, legal, psychiatric and family history.
  2. 2. Having a blood test to look at the state of your general health. This will include liver function test, a full blood screen, hepatitis tests and any other tests relevant to your health. HIV testing with pre-and-post test counselling is available if you wish to have this done as well.
  3. 3. Urine testing. You will be asked to provide a urine sample for drug screening. This may be observed as false samples have been produced in the past.
  4. 4. Needle mark checks.
  5. 5. Methadone treatment discussed in full, including all side effects. You will be given time to consider what the programme involves and decide whether you are able to meet the safety requirements. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO ARRANGE YOURSELF

To complete the assessment you will need to bring the following:

  1. 1. Formal identification for the clinic e.g. bring in your passport, bank book, driver’s license or birth certificate (with a photograph of yourself on the identification).
  2. 2. Proof of residency. We need evidence that you have lived in the Wairarapa for three months or more e.g. rent book or tenancy agreements, power or telephone accounts.

 

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE ASSESSMENT

Once the assessment is completed, your case will be considered by the Methadone staff and Medical Officers.

WAITING LISTS

At times there may be a waiting period of several months before coming into the programme. We apologise for this and understand the hardships this can cause. We advise you to keep in contact with the clinic staff and keep your address updated so that we can easily contact you when a place becomes available.

PRIORITY

Women who are pregnant and those people who are HIV positive are considered urgent and have priority over others on the waiting list.

Useful Information Downloads

Methadone Programme Information Pack

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