What this consultation is about
We wanted to hear the views of service users, families, carers, stakeholders, partners, and service providers on how we might commission drug and alcohol treatment services more effectively in the future. We asked people to consider two models we have developed and to give us their honest opinion on how it would impact the service provided in Derbyshire. We are aware that there is no perfect model, and that all models have their risks and advantages. This consultation helped us to consider the views of people who are currently linked into treatment services, as well as consider the needs of those whose needs are currently unmet.
Existing service provision
Currently, Derbyshire has one substance misuse (drug) service which offers both clinical and non-clinical interventions for people seeking support and help with any drug problem. We have a large group of service users who are long-term opiate (heroin) users, although the number of non-opiate drug users seeking treatment is increasing. The aim of the service is to reduce harm caused by drug use and, wherever possible, enable people to get into recovery and exit treatment services without needing to return.
Derbyshire has two alcohol treatment services: one is for non-dependent alcohol users who need support with reducing their drinking which they feel has become problematic. This service also acts as a “hub” or triage for anyone accessing alcohol services to assess whether people need this service or the clinical service for dependent alcohol users. The second service we currently commission is the clinical alcohol service which provides support and access to detoxification for people who are physically dependent on alcohol.
Model One
Model One combines clinical drug and alcohol services into one “lot”, and puts the non-clinical elements of drug and alcohol services into two separate “lots”. We have developed this model to strengthen clinical governance across all services, and to allow primary drug and primary alcohol service users to initially access different services (prior to accessing clinical services where needed), which has been previously indicated to us as desirable by some service users. The detail of which services are to be delivered in each “lot” is specified. This model is just for adult service users, and incorporates family and carer support.
Model Two
Model Two combines all our drug and alcohol services into one fully integrated service, potentially additionally including children and young people’s specialist treatment services. This procurement model is nationally popular, and we are seeking your views as to whether you feel there are any specific advantages or disadvantages to this model in Derbyshire.
The consultation is now closed. This consultation fed into the Substance Misuse Health Needs Assessment and was incorporated into the specification for the integrated substance misuse service. More information about the results of the consultation can be found via the contact details on this page.