One year of Buvidal at HMP Peterborough
On 11th April 2024, HMP Peterborough administered its first Buvidal injection. One year on, the programme has become an integral part of the prison's approach to supporting individuals with opioid dependency. Opioids are a group of drugs that include substances like heroin and strong prescription painkillers.
What is Buvidal?
Buvidal is a long-acting, subcutaneous injection of buprenorphine, used in the treatment of opioid dependence. It reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms and can be administered weekly or monthly. This allows patients to move away from daily supervised medication.
Since launching the programme, almost 200 patients have been prescribed Buvidal. The team has seen a notable reduction in the number of patients queuing for methadone during morning rounds.
Before Buvidal, opioid substitution treatments (OST) in the prison included methadone and sublingual Subutex tablets. These options, while helpful, brought challenges such as diversion, bullying, and stigma. The introduction of Buvidal has helped mitigate these risks, offering a safer and more discreet option for patients.
Reflecting on the programme's first year, Simbarashe Mapfeka, Lead Nurse at HMP Peterborough, said :
"As we mark one year since the introduction of the Buvidal injection at HMP Peterborough, I'm proud of the progress we've made. In just 12 months, over 200 individuals have started treatment with Buvidal, many of whom have shared how it has helped them feel more stable, more in control, and more hopeful about the future.
Buvidal has not only reduced the risks often associated with other opioid treatments, such as diversion and stigma, but it has also improved daily routines within the prison by cutting down medication queues and supporting a calmer environment. This milestone is a reflection of what we can achieve when we work together across healthcare, recovery teams, and operations."
Importantly, Buvidal's long-acting formulation has helped create a more stable treatment experience. Several patients, previously caught in cycles of substance misuse and reoffending, have remained drug-free and have not returned to custody.
One patient, who faced significant mental health challenges and had minimal prior engagement with support services, was stabilised on Buvidal over six months. Since her release, she continues to do well in the community highlighting the value of coordinated care and person-centred support.
The success of the Buvidal programme is the result of strong collaboration between health teams, recovery workers, prison operations, and community services. This joined-up approach has ensured patients receive continuity of care as they transition from custody to community-based support.
As the team looks ahead, feedback from both staff and patients will be key in shaping the future of the service.