SUBSTANCE MISUSE p. 129

In 2020, the medical social worker attached to the DOVE (Danger of Viral Exposure) clinic provided emotional and practical support to women attending this specialist clinic. Patients attending this clinic are women who have an infectious disease diagnosis and/or substance misuse issues. The social worker liaises closely with the specialist midwives to provide a comprehensive service for women attending the DOVE clinic. In 2020, 51 women attending the DOVE clinic were referred to Tusla by the medical social worker. Referral to Tusla regarding drug misuse also occurred when a patient did not attend the DOVE clinic but drug use was identified postnatally.