NSW Health Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Jacqui Cross has launched the
Handbook for Nurses and Midwives: Responding effectively to people who use alcohol and other drugs. The handbook was produced by the Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs at NSW Health, in consultation with nurses and midwives working across NSW.
Nurses and midwives are dedicated health professionals at the frontline of care for people at their most vulnerable, including those experiencing harm from alcohol and other drugs and their families. They deliver professional care, free from stigma and discrimination, with compassion and empathy.
In her foreword to the handbook, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Jacqui Cross said, "Nurses and midwives work with patients to ensure safe, high quality care outcomes, dispel myths, remove stigma and improve patient experiences by delivering timely, holistic and integrated care."
"Focusing on the needs of vulnerable people experiencing harm from drug and alcohol use has the potential to transform the way we deliver healthcare, change lives and keep society healthy."
– Jacqui Cross, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer
The Handbook is designed to guide and support nursing and midwifery for the provision of safe and high-quality care for people who use alcohol and other drugs.
Cross says, "Focusing on the needs of people experiencing harm from drug and alcohol use has the potential to transform the way we deliver healthcare, change lives and keep society healthy."
The handbook is a companion document to the Policy Directive: Nursing and Midwifery Management of Alcohol and Drug Use in the Delivery of Health Care. It provides detailed pathways for nurses and midwives delivering care across the domains of:
- alcohol and other drug screening and assessment
- identifying and responding to acute and chronic physical, mental and social health needs
- care planning and coordination
- transfer of care
Professionals can download the
Handbook for Nurses and Midwives: responding effectively to people who use alcohol and other drugs and the
Drug Compendium: A supplement Reference for AOD Treatment on the NSW Health website for alcohol and other drug health professionals.
For free and confidential advice 24/7 call the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on
1800 250 015. Counsellors are available to provide information, referrals, crisis counselling and support. Or start a
Web Chat with an ADIS counsellor online Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5pm. ADIS can also provide up-to-date information about service availability in your area during the COVID-19 pandemic.
