Nobody Dies Here: Inside Melbourne's Medically Supervised Injecting Room

The dance of closing time must play out before doors are locked for the night. In this final episode, hear about the trouble with closing. Also, find out what’s changed* for the service. Featuring Clients - Philip, Duane, Aaron Host - Michelle Ransom-Hughes Nurses - Kerry, Jen, Paul, Simon  Harm Reduction Practitioners - Tess, Dylan Head of Security - Amri Medical Director- Nico Clarke Credit...

A proud Yorta Yorta Tunnarong woman, Ange is Aunty to many in the MSIR community. After an especially tough time and several rehab attempts, she’s ready to make big changes.  *Aboriginal listeners are advised this episode contains the name of a person who is deceased* Episode contains: overdose death, coarse language Credits Host - Kerin Featuring - Angela  Producer/ Editor/ Intervi...

John’s history with heroin and other drugs includes making the front page of the Herald Sun after overdosing in a laneway. Having been around Melbourne since the deadly late 90s, he's a staunch defender of the MSIR, and opioid replacement, Buvedal. Episode contains: strong language, overdose death and adult themes Help & Support - Alcohol and Drug Foundation Harm Reduction Australia Lifeline (...

Kerin reveals some of her dramatic life story, and how it intersects with her decades-long use of heroin. Now 72, Kerin’s toughness mostly conceals the depth of her losses.  CW: Family Violence; overdose death; mild coarse language Credits Featuring  - Kerin   Host -  Pudgey Producer/ Interviewer/ Editor - Michelle Ransom-Hughes Mix Assistance - Dylan Ransom-Hughes Host recordi...

In Zone 4 people wanting to alter their heroin use can start pharmacotherapy within 24 hours. Clients take the lead in managing their health, supported by trauma-informed care. The MSIR’s in-house medical services catch people at risk of falling between the cracks of the wider health system. Featuring Head of Security - Amri Medical Director - Dr Nico Clark Nurse and *EPOCH team member - Jen Harm...

Rachael reflects on the relationships and the ritual that draw her back to the injecting room; how some people flirt with death, and why she’s trying opioid replacement, Suboxone. CW: drug use, mild coarse language Credits Host: Pudgey Featuring: Rachael Interviewer: Michelle Ransom-Hughes Producer/ Editor/ Sound Design: Michelle Ransom-Hughes Host recording: Shelley Cogger Recorded on uncede...

Sammy’s a strong voice within the MSIR’s client advisory group. Her understanding of how criminalisation and stigma impact people who use drugs comes from a lifetime of thriving on the margins. Credits Host: Pudgey Featuring: Sammy Interviewer: Michelle Ransom-Hughes Producer/ Editor/ Sound Design: Michelle Ransom-Hughes Host recording: Shelley Cogger Recorded on unceded Wurundjeri land, prod...

From karaoke to crisis care: we hear how the bonds of trust formed between people who come to inject drugs and MSIR workers can play out in Zone 3, Aftercare. Walking alongside clients can sometimes mean watching people turn their life around; and sometimes end in loss. Content advice: drug use, mild coarse language Featuring Nurses - Kerry, Simon, Paul, Jen Harm Reduction Practitioners - Tess, Dy...

Two separate interviews conducted at the MSIR in June 2022  Christina has dreams of studying one day. She sees the community at the MSIR, fellow clients and the workers, as family. Adrian works in construction. He’s cut back on his heroin use, but it's a secret from his family he remains deeply conflicted about. Content Advice: explicit language, descriptions of drug use Credits Featuring: Ch...

In the injecting zone, calm attention is crucial. Workers keep a keen eye on people injecting, while also respecting their privacy. And when someone’s oxygen drops, workers are ready to respond immediately and prevent fatal overdose. Content advice: drug use, overdose, mild coarse language Featuring Nurses - Kerry, Paul, Jen and Simon  Harm Reduction Practitioners - Tess, Jesse, Lisa &nb...

When the MSIR opened Beattie was the fourth person to register and would use the room most days. Now, with the help of his ‘medicine’, a housing program and trusted medical advisors, he’s working towards the life he wants. Vigilance about his health and fear of overdose keep him coming back to the MSIR. Content Advice: descriptions of drug use and overdose Credits Featuring - Beattie Host - C...

In the entry zone, staff walk the fine line between extending a warm, non-judgemental welcome to all and adhering to licensing regulations. People from every walk of life present here to access the room. Featuring Head of Security - Amri Nurses - Kerry, Paul and Simon  NSP Worker - Carmel Harm Reduction Practitioners - Tess, Jesse and Lisa    Client - Beattie Host - Michelle Ra...

Featuring : Adrian, Angela, Beattie, Christina, Jesse, John, Kerrin, Kerry, Paul Producer/ Editor/ Sound Design: Michelle Ransom-Hughes Music : Nobody Dies Here Theme by Jen Anderson A Human Being by Andy G. Cohen released under a Creative Commons Attribution International License Extra thanks to Dylan Ransom-Hughes, Jon Tjhia, Daniel Semo, Shelley Cogger, Sophie Ransom, Jaye Kranz, Lucy Osbo...