Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Item 8

Safe & Healthy People Select Committee

Contact name: Sue Wilks Tel: 01962 826028 Email: [email protected]

1) Introduction and context

1.1. Effective substance misuse services play a significant part in supporting the corporate priorities:

· Hampshire safer and more secure for all - by promoting treatment services and encouraging users (including known offenders) to take up treatment options there is a known correlation between numbers entering treatment and a reduction in crime rates.

· Maximising wellbeing - treatment and harm minimisation services have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals, their families, carers and communities.

1.2 A countywide strategic review of substance misuse services was launched during July 2008 and a formal consultation process, based upon a strategic review information pack took place between 2^nd October 2008 and 2^nd January 2009.

1.3 The need to undertake a substance misuse strategic review was prompted by the following key issues:

· a significant reduction in the central allocation of ring fenced funding for drugs services over the next 3 years

· in order to rationalise current commissioning arrangements

· to provide a robust commissioning strategy for both drugs and alcohol

1.4 The desired outcome of the review process is to deliver the best possible configuration of drug and alcohol services in the county. These services will be effectively commissioned, properly contracted and monitored to meet needs and targets, and will be affordable within the available budget.

1.5 The strategic review has followed a three stage process :

· Stage 1 - Strategic Review Information Pack (SRIP)

· Stage 2 - Formal Consultation leading to Development Plan

· Stage 3 - Implementation Plan leading to operational service delivery

1.6 This report provides an interim briefing to the Safe & Healthy People Select Committee on the current position in relation to the review and a summery of the emerging issues so far.

1.7 A full report outlining the findings and proposals for change arising from the review, will be presented to the Executive Member for Adult Social Care at decision day on 20^th February 2009

2) Key Issues for Consideration:

2.1 Reduction over 3 years (2008/9 - 2010/11) in the centrally funded Adult Pooled Treatment Budget (PTB).

2.2 The performance issues in respect of National Indicator (NI) 40 - Number of Drug Users in Effective Treatment, which has a direct influence on future allocations of the DAAT Pooled Treatment Budget.

2.3 Delivery of the Local Area Agreement : Alcohol Flagship 10 Point Plan

2.4 Implementation of the recommendations arising from the `Access to Alcohol Services' scrutiny review, launched in September 2007 and reported in April 2008.

2.5 Robust proposals for the future delivery and commissioning arrangements for substance misuse services in Hampshire.

3. Process Information relating to the Formal Consultation Stage:

3.1 The formal consultation stage took place between 2^nd October 2008 and 2^nd January 2009.

3.2 Due to the timing of the Executive Member approval cycle this paper has been submitted in advance of the closing date for the consultation period. The detail for the for the final report will be fleshed out over the coming weeks following an analysis of the consultation responses.

3.3 To date (16.12.08), 4 agency responses have been received,17 Service User/Carer responses and discussion comments from 2 tier three service provider team meetings.

3.4 From these responses, the emerging themes include:

Delivery

· redress balance between investment in drug services and alcohol services - equitable services

· improved links with mental health services for dual diagnosis clients

· clarity and flexibility in relation to referral routes

· greater use of the voluntary sector to provide services where appropriate

· peer advocacy

· additional out-of-hours provision

· greater awareness of AA and the range of services they can offer

· `one stop shop' model

Range of Services

· additional counselling provision (especially for alcohol clients)

· aftercare - relapse prevention / relaxation techniques ongoing drop-in for those in recovery.

· more support for families

· more local rehab options and more rehab generally

· more services generally for alcohol clients delivered at the local level

· improved access for prescribing and more prescribing choice, including low threshold prescribing

· more accessible detoxification services including community detoxification (particularly for alcohol clients) and pre detoxification groups

· broader range of therapies e.g. ACT

· more preventative services

· more advocacy provision

Workforce

· reduced burden on time taken completing forms - more time with clients

· care co-ordination role is de-skilling practitioners

· need to incentivise the workforce

· more training for practitioners in a broad range of therapeutic interventions

Communication

· better communication throughout the sector - DAAT, partners, providers, front line staff

· better publicity of services available

· more awareness raising amongst GP's

· readily accessible information especially for families and carers, to provide a basic knowledge and understanding of the problems/issues

4) Proposals for Future Service Delivery

4.1 These will emerge following the analysis of the consultation responses

5) Proposals for Future Commissioning Arrangements

5.1 These will emerge following the analysis of the consultation responses

6. Additional Information

6.1 Members may be interested to see the final papers for the Executive Member for Adult Social Care at decision day on 20^th February 2009, in respect of this matter. Sections 3,4 and 5 will be complete with additional information on future direction and priorities.