Low threshold: a future model for drug service provision? An evaluation of the model used in South Islington Drug Services

Abstract

This paper illustrates the key role the nurse can play in reshaping and streamlining a service for more effective treatment. This is demonstrated using the example at the Islington Drugs Service in London, where external pressures initiated a re-design of the part of the service and its aim and objectives.

This re-design was successful and it is noted that, while the team delivering the service was multi-disciplinary, nurses played a central role in the effective design and implementation that ultimately received positive feedback from the clients involved in the project.

Good clinical knowledge and an ability to think creatively and practically are important skills for nurses in today's healthcare system. This paper hopefully illustrates that nurses are well placed to play an active role in re-designing services and should definitely be playing a central role in strategic service delivery.