1

Index
Welcome to the CAU
Finding us
Team Philosophy
Aims and Objectives of the team
Service Provision
Team Members
Team Role
Confidentiality
Referral Criteria
Treatment/Interventions
What you can expect from us
Mentorship/learning Contract
Educational Opportunities
What we expect from you
Contact detail
Induction Checklist
Page number
3
4
4
4
5
6
7
8
8
9
10
10
10
12
13
18
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Welcome to the Community Addiction Unit
This information pack is designed for students on placement at the Community Addiction Unit.
Our aim is to provide you with an enjoyable, high quality clinical placement. While it is likely that you will spend the majority of your time in an allocated clinical area it is suggested that you try and experience some of the other areas in the Community Addiction Unit and other relevant services in the area (some of which are listed later in the pack).
It is your responsibility to arrange these visits in conjunction with your Mentor.
Please feel free to ask questions and seek support from all individuals within the service.
Every effort will be made to facilitate your ongoing development and learning, and use of informal learning opportunities.
The lead mentor for this practice placement is :-
Gina Taylor
The role of the lead Mentor is to ensure that you have an appropriate Mentor and they can act as a point of contact should any issues arise or you just need advice.
On your first day either Gina or your allocated Mentor will meet with you to welcome and orientate you to the service and begin to discuss your objectives that you aim to meet on this placement.
If you have any concerns or enquiries during your placement please contact Gina Taylor on 029
20461742.
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What is the Community Addiction Unit
The Community Addiction Unit (CAU) is a NHS substance misuse treatment agency for people with alcohol and/or drug problems (including prescription medication).
Finding the Community Addiction Unit
CAU’s main base is House 56 which is located on the Cardiff Royal Infirmary site, Newport Road,
Cardiff. We have a satellite clinic in Newland Street, Barry (called Newlands). We also have a specialist inpatient ‘detox’ facility (Adfer) which is located on the Whitchurch Hospital site,
Cardiff and an onsite dispensing service called DATT – which is situated on Longcross Street (CRI site), Cardiff.
Philosophy Statement
In line with the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board’s mission statement:
‘Our goal is to achieve excellence in providing safe, effective, efficient and compassionate care’
The Addiction service has adopted the following guiding principles:
1.
To provide harm reduction based interventions, demonstrated by research evidence, to be the most clinically and cost effective, to individuals using the most harmful substances
2.
To provide those interventions in the most effective and efficient way
3.
All client contact with the service should be designed to improve engagement, aid retention and reduce harm.
4.
Work in partnership with other service providers to provide seamless interventions / care packages that while meeting points 1-3, may also meet other health / social needs
5.
Invest in individual staff members, and the teams they work within, to meet points
1-4.
Aims and Objectives
The Addiction service will seek to:

Provide clinically effective interventions in a range of settings suitable to clients needs
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
Empower people to make positive changes in their drinking/drug taking
 Enable clients to become drug/alcohol free
 Enable clients to reduce consumption of drugs/alcohol
 Enable clients to stabilise their use of drugs/control their drinking
 Enable clients to reduce their range of poly drug use

Work jointly with other agencies and other clinical areas within Cardiff and Vale University
Health Board

Develop effective service user involvement throughout the Addiction service.
Service Provision
The Addiction service offers a large range of intervention dependent upon the changes that are identified. Services offered include:

Ongoing comprehensive assessment of clients’ medical, social and psychological problems related to drugs and alcohol misuse

Information, advice and support to significant others of those with substance misuse problems

A range of evidence based psychological assessments and interventions including motivational interviewing and relapse prevention
 Substitute treatment programs (Methadone, Suboxone) accompanied by varying intensity psychosocial packages such as full key working with multidisciplinary input for those with complicated needs
 A structured two-week therapeutic day programme with ongoing support group
 A range of evidence based pharmacological interventions within a wider treatment package ( Naltrexone, Antabuse and Campral, etc)

Comprehensive home detoxification services to those clients who have been assessed and deemed suitable
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 A specialised inpatient treatment facility
 Joint working (with other agencies) and referral for physical and mental illness, testing for Hepatitis B, C and HIV (including vaccination for Hepatitis B)
 Assessment and referral for some domestic and childcare problems
 In-house specialist input from psychology, social work, mental health nursing and
Psychiatry.

An accessible needle exchange scheme offering a full range of paraphernalia, appropriate information on safer injecting, and monitor injecting technique

A substance misuse liaison service within Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

With GPs, a formal shared care scheme to provide substitute treatment for opiate dependent individuals

Provide tier 3 /4 input into other services

Hepatitis B vaccination to all clients of the service

Blood borne virus (BBV) testing to all clients of the service

Naloxone provision with training
 Provide formal training for generic service providers
 Provide informal education and awareness raising through contacts with other professionals in all settings (e.g., routine correspondence and telephone advice)
 Undertake joint working and liaison with other professionals.
Team Members
The Community Addiction service Comprises:

Consultant Psychologist

Two Consultant Psychiatrists
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
Senior Nurse
 Consultant Nurse
 Staff grade doctor and other medical staff
 Nursing staff including psychiatric and general nurses
 Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Specialist BBV Nurse

Homeless Nurse

Health Care Assistants

Social Worker

Team Administrator

Administrative and Secretarial Team
Team Roles/Responsibilities
The Addiction service is made up of a range of professionals (as identified above). The aim is to achieve a mix of staff as far as resources allow. This enables teams to offer all the expertise that is necessary in order to carry out tasks effectively, at the same time as developing sufficient generic skills so that the key worker role can be widely shared.
Each team has a Team Leader who is responsible for the day to day management of the team, and the quality of the service provided.
Consultant Psychiatrists provide medical leadership within the Addictions service and they and the other doctors carry out medical assessments, diagnosis and medical treatments within the teams. General health care of community based clients remains the responsibility of the GP with consultants acting in an advisory capacity and/or providing specialist treatment.
The Consultant Psychologist provides specialist psychological interventions for CAU clients referred internally and provides supervision and support for other staff.
The social worker acts as keyworker in addition to the specialist role. This role includes liaising with substance misuse midwife and offering consultation opportunities in relation to Child
Protection procedures, residential rehabilitation placements and Community Care packages.
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The specialist BBV nurse offers interventions to reduce the spread of blood borne infections and to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
Each Team Leader is line managed by the Senior Nurse. Clinical support is offered by the
Consultant Nurse and Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP).
Administrative support for the service is provided by the administrative and secretarial team.
Confidentiality
All members of staff should adhere to the confidentiality principles outlined by their professional bodies and in line with the CAU operational policy. Failure to observe these guidelines will be regarded as serious misconduct and may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
Students are advised not to give any information regarding clients or their care until they have taken advice from a senior member of the team or the Responsible Medical Officer.
No information of a personal or confidential nature concerning individual members of staff should be given to anyone without authority by a senior member of the team or RMO.
Referral Criteria
The CAU accepts referrals of clients with current alcohol and/or drug related issues who are 18 years and over. Referrals are accepted for those living in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan although in-patient services are available for those referred from outside the area.
The majority of referrals are received from EDAS although CAU also receive direct transfer from other routes such as IOIS and other drug services.
Treatments/Interventions
Interventions that may be used within the service are:
Pharmacological:
 Appropriate substitute prescribing (e.g. Methadone, Suboxone)
 Psychotropic medication to alleviate symptoms of significant psychopathology other than drug/alcohol dependence (e.g. depression, anxiety)
 Medication to aid efforts to maintain abstinence (e.g. Disulfiram, Campral)
Psychological:

Neuro-psychological testing
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
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
 Brief Intervention Training
 Systemic Therapy
 Psychodynamic Therapy
 Humanistic counselling
Health promotion:
 Harm minimisation

Sexual lifestyle advice

Needle Exchange

Hepatitis B inoculation

BBV Testing
Individualised care:

Motivational interviewing

Monitoring

Counselling
 Relapse prevention

Anxiety management
 Physical assessment
 Mental health assessment
Harm minimisation:
 Educating/increasing knowledge of the health implications of drug/alcohol use
 Pre and post BBV testing counselling
 Feedback on laboratory screening tests including hepatitis B and C

Increase knowledge of safer injecting techniques

Increased knowledge of safer sex

Provision of condoms and sterile injecting equipment (needle exchange).
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What you as a student can expect from this practice placement
Mentorship
Prior to commencement of the practice placement you will be allocated a mentor/ sign off mentor who has been appropriately prepared and supported to undertake the role.
On your first day of the practice placement you will be met by either the Lead Mentor Gina
Taylor or your assigned mentor who will welcome and orientate you to the service and begin to discuss your objectives that you aim to meet on this placement.
You will receive an induction into your work area to ensure you are familiar with the environment and are able to practice safely.
Learning contract
You and your mentors should agree a learning contract within five days of commencement of the practice learning environment in order to facilitate your individual needs to meet programme requirements. During the placement you will receive regular clinical supervision and your progress will be planned accordingly and reviewed half way through the placement.
You will be treated as a valued member of the multidisciplinary team and can expect to receive support and encouragement from all staff members so that you can get the best out of your practice placement.
Learning opportunities
The Addictions service offers training to students on placement with other professional bodies who require such input including General Practitioners, Nurses, Probation, Youth Service, Social
Services, etc. by providing input to professional courses, accepting students and trainees for placements, giving lectures, talks, presentations, and by encouraging visits to the Addictions service areas.
Students placed with the Community Addictions Service are encouraged to visit both statutory and non-statutory local services, an understanding of which is a necessary aspect of multidisciplinary team working.
Local services include:

CADT services

TAITH
 Recovery Cymru
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
Footsteps 2 Recovery
 The Living Room
 Criminal Justice Services – Drug Interventions Programme and DRR
 Inroads
 Bridge Programme
 EDAS (Entry to Drug and Alcohol Services)
Whilst on placement all students will spend allocated time within the following areas of service provision:

DATT (Dispensing and Treatment Team)

Alcohol Team

In-Patient detox unit, Whitchurch Hospital

Therapeutic Day Programme

Vale Drug and Alcohol Team

GP Shared Care

EDAS (Entry to Drug and Alcohol Services)
Students on placement with the Addiction service are given the opportunity to work alongside a range of professionals including general and mental health nurses, social worker, psychologist and psychiatrists. This enables the student to experience a wide range of skills in a specialist area of mental health.
The opportunity will be made available for students to meet with:
Substance Misuse Liaison Nurse
Specialist Nurse
Homeless Nurse
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Psychiatrist
Social Worker
Needle Exchange Scheme Co-ordinator
In order to gain a broad understanding of their roles and significance in patient care.
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What we expect from you
We expect you to arrive on time for planned shifts and any other activity identified
We expect you to ensure your mentor is aware of your learning outcomes for the placement and specific learning needs
We expect you to act in a professional manner
We expect you to dress in accordance with the uniform policy (dependent on your placement) and also in accordance with the UHB dress code
You should inform your mentor or delegated person if you are unwell or for any reason are unable to attend your placement. The process for how to do this will be covered on your induction
We expect you to maintain and respect confidentiality at all times
We would like you to raise any issues regarding your placement with your assigned Mentor or
Lead Mentor. If this is not possible please discuss with your link tutor
We expect you to use your initiative and involve yourself in team work (appropriate to you learning needs)
If it’s quiet and you think there is nothing to do….think again there is always something to do!!!
We hope you enjoy your placement with the Addictions service.
Good Luck 
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Addiction Service Contact Details
TEAM Tel no.
ADFER WARD 02920336340/1
BRIDGE
PROGRAMME
CAU: ALCOHOL
TEAM
CAU: DATT
EDAS
02920 480187
02920335226
LIAISON services Medicine 029 2020744901
NEWLANDS
(VALE CAU)
THERAPEUTIC
DAYCARE
0300300700
01446 700943
029 20336430
Address
Adfer Ward
Whitchurch Hospital
Cardiff
CF14 7XB
Salvation Army Hostel for
Single Homeless Men
240 Bute Street
Cardiff
CF10 5TY
House 56
CRI Buildings
Newport Road
Cardiff
CF24 0SZ
Angove Unit
Longcross Street
Cardiff
CF24 0SZ
Housing Option Centre
Hansen Street
Cardiff
CF10 5DW
Room 262
A1 Corridor
University Hospital of
Wales
Cardiff
CF14 4XW
26, Newland Street
Barry
Vale of Glamorgan
CF62 8AE
Rebecca Suite
Whitchurch Hospital
Cardiff
CF14 7XB
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Other Substance Misuse Services in Cardiff and the Vale
Cardiff Alcohol and Drug Team (CADT)
Providing counselling and community care for people with drug and alcohol problems and their families
029 2078 8300
Living Room Cardiff
Creates a safe, non-judgmental space to provide all who ask with opportunities and choices to begin or deepen their journey of recovery, wholeness, and healing from addiction
029 2049 3895
Family Support Project
Provides support and creates new opportunities for children, families and close friends affected by alcohol and drugs.
029 2046 8555
ASFA (Alcohol Services for All)
To provide a forum, a voice, for people who have experienced an alcohol problem
07766 254323
Substance Misuse Midwife
Advice and support if you are pregnant and using drugs or alcohol.
Specialist Midwife 07966 403925
Axis
Drink and alcohol related advice and support to black and minority ethnic communities, making referrals to treatment
029 2076 4411
Recovery Cymru
Recovery Cymru is a self-help and support community for people in or seeking recovery from alcohol and drug problems
029 2022 7019
DAN 24/7 (All Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline)
A bilingual telephone helpline providing a single point of contact for anyone in Wales wanting further information and help relating to drugs and alcohol
0800 633 5588
Tearing Your Hair Out
We are a group run by carers of drug and alcohol misusers to give help, support and advice to other carers
Peter 07809028827
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Sandra 07799186090
Maria 07775282025
TAITH
Open Access Engagement Service
02920 407 407
Footsteps 2 Recovery
Footsteps to Recovery is a through care and after care service for substance misuse in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
02920 388717
Other Related Services
Alcoholics Anonymous
24 hour support for people with alcohol problems
0845 769 7555
Drinkline
Advice and support for anyone concerned about their own or someone else’s drinking
0800 917 8282 (freephone)
Families Anonymous
24 hour support to friends and relatives of people with drug or alcohol problems.
0845 1200 660
Narcotics Anonymous
24 hour support for people with drug problems
0117 924 0084
National Drugs Helpline (Frank)
24 hour helpline for drug users, solvent users or friends and families
0800 776600 (freephone)
NHS Direct
24 hour confidential helpline providing health information and advice
0845 46 47
The Samaritans
24 hour confidential and emotional support helpline for anyone in crisis
0845 790 90 90
Breaking Free Online
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An online treatment and recovery programme that allows people to resolve the psychological and lifestyle issues that drive their use of alcohol or drugs, and so conquer their dependence once and for all www.breakfreeonline.com
Al-Anon
Offers understanding and support for families and friends of problem drinkers
020 7403 0888
Alateen
Support group for young people whose lives are affected by a problem drinker
020 74030888
MIND
The leading mental health charity in England and Wales. Working to create a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress
029 2040 2040
Samaritans
Providing support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair including those which could lead to suicide
08457 90 90 90 (24 hour)
4Winds
A resource and drop in centre providing support and information on all issues relating to mental health
029 2038 8144
Gofal
Providing a range of community based services for people to promote mental wellbeing
029 2045 38940
Cardiff Housing Link (Oakhouse)
Providing housing support for people with drug and alcohol problems
029 2044 4524
Cardiff Council Homelessness Team
Providing accommodation for homeless people
029 2087 1050
Dyfig House
Accommodation for people with drink problems
029 2023 2127
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Ffynnon Project (Tai Trothwy)
Help to access permanent housing and proving support and advice to drug and alcohol users in their homes
029 2045 3030
Huggard
Accommodation and drop-in day service
029 2066 4897
Llamau
Supported housing, also providing practical life skills training for 16-21 year olds.
029 2023 1015
Ty Gobaith (Salvation Army Bridge Programme)
Direct access hostel with detox facilities and a drop-in day service with divisionary activities
029 2048 0187
Wallich Clifford Community Shoreline Project
Provides a safe and secure accommodation for vulnerable adults with alcohol problems
029 2066 8463
Housing Option Centre
Providing practical help, community care and advice for vulnerable adults within the city centre
029 2087 1223
Speakeasy Advice Centre
The Speakeasy is a registered charity supporting the poor and disadvantaged in deprived areas of South East Wales. Based in Cardiff, we provide free legal advice and representation for people struggling with debt, welfare benefits, housing problems and fuel poverty
029 2045 3111
Cardiff Citizens Advice Bureau
Offers advice to help people solve their problems
029 2034 6490
Women’s Aid
This is a key national charity for women and children experiencing physical, sexual or emotional abuse in their homes
029 2046 0566
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INDUCTION CHECKLIST
All students must receive a departmental (local) induction on the first day of their clinical placement.
Mentors must complete this with you- if your mentor or another staff nurse does not complete this, please inform:
Lead Mentor Gina Taylor/ Senior Nurse Paul Sussex
Your mentor will: Completed
(tick)
Yes N/A
Welcome you and orientate you to the Addiction service. Discuss the aims of the service
Discuss with you confidentiality and data protection
Provide you with an understanding of the site layout and the area of where you will be based including transport and parking
Advise that any sickness/absence is reported to both college and placement area- the number and who to report to is listed bellow
Confirm who you report too, your hours of work and the breaks you are entitled to
Explain the necessity of wearing an identification badge
Introduce you to your place of work / base etc.
Introduce you to team members
Explain how you can obtain advice/support and access relevant policies and procedures
Explain housekeeping arrangements including the location of toilets, catering facilities, lockers, notice boards etc.
Explain where personal belongings can be safely stored
Point out the location of items used in the course of your placement
(forms, medication storage, First Aid/stationary etc).
Explain dress code and etiquette
Explain procedures for clinical incidents such as sharps injuries
Highlight relevant departmental policies, protocols and procedures e.g. POVA/Child Protection
Advise on the departmental greeting for answering the phone
Explain the permitted use of mobile phones/ texting etc.
Health and Safety:
Your Mentor will… Completed
(tick)
Yes N/A
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Point out the location of fire alarm points, emergency numbers, extinguishers, evacuation procedures and assembly point s
Explain the fire procedures and different types of alarms
Explain the Incident Reporting procedure
Explain infection control and hygiene requirements (as appropriate)
Provide Information / instruction on the safe use of all equipment relevant to the performance of the job.
I confirm this checklist has been completed and understood as indicated above
Student’s Signature Date
Mentor’s Signature Date
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