Overdose prevention site

The overdose prevention site (OPS) at St. Paul’s Hospital is operated by Providence Health Care. It provides a non-judgmental and safe place for patients to use non-prescription (illicit) substances, offering both injection booths and a dedicated space for inhalation. It is accessible to all St. Paul’s Hospital patients. In addition to overdose management and monitoring, the OPS offers a variety of harm reduction services.

The combination inhalation and injection OPS is staffed by seven Raincity peer witnesses and one Providence Peer coordinator.  There is clinical oversite from the Urban Health and Substance Use program.

All peer support workers are trained in advanced overdose management techniques (e.g., use of naloxone and use of oxygen,) 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. Over the last three years, more than 95% of overdoses have been managed within the OPS without requiring a code blue response.

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 and benzodiazepines 

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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