Proposals to merge substance misuse services in South Tees
The proposals would keep dedicated local teams while sharing specialist staff and back office functions
Proposals to join up substance misuse services in Redcar and Cleveland and Middlesbrough beginning from next April are being put before the two local councils for consideration.
A report by Mark Adams, the joint director of public health in South Tees, said both services currently operated as two different and separate models, which meant an inconsistent approach in terms of patient access, while roles and structures were also duplicated.
It said the Redcar and Cleveland service would be developed using good practice from the existing Middlesbrough model with both sharing specialist and back office functions.
Figures show that large sums of money are being spent on tackling drug and alcohol addictions and supporting people in this category in both boroughs.
In Middlesbrough £5.571m will be allocated this year towards direct substance misuse activities in the form of a contribution from the core public health grant provided by the Government, while the figure in Redcar and Cleveland is £2.535m.
The report for members of Redcar and Cleveland Council’s cabinet said of the changes: “It would deliver significant benefits by creating a stronger, more resilient local substance use service while retaining a dedicated local team and focus.
“It would enable a reduction in waiting times for tangible support via same-day open access service, improve outreach and harm reduction offers, deliver improved complex needs support and proactive engagement with under-represented groups.”
Reductions in management, governance and specialist functions that were currently being duplicated across both areas meant a greater proportion of existing funding could be reinvested into frontline services, along with prevention and recovery support.
The report said: “A consistent South Tees approach will increase equity of access, removing any ‘postcode lottery’.”
It also said better value would be provided along with improved outcomes for residents.
The report said substance misuse services across South Tees had undergone “significant transformation” in recent years and some positive outcomes had been achieved.
But current arrangements had not fully delivered the integrated, efficient and resilient framework originally envisaged with “missed opportunities” to maximise benefits.
There was also an opportunity to review service delivery locations across Redcar and Cleveland to ensure facilities remain accessible, welcoming and fit for purpose.
The report added: “Whilst implementation challenges exist, these are considered manageable and are outweighed by the anticipated benefits.
“Robust programme governance, workforce engagement, legal advice and multi-departmental oversight will support delivery of the model.
“Locality-based teams, buildings, management arrangements and service specifications will be maintained through clear governance and legally binding agreements, preserving local relationships, accountability and influence.”
The report said there would be “TUPE process implications” – referring to the UK law that protects employees rights – resulting from the changes and went into further details about new roles and functions that were being created.
The proposals will also be presented to Middlesbrough Council’s executive next month.