Brief Insight 14: Pan-Ayrshire Alcohol & Drug Partnerships: An integrated approach to MAT implementation

Background

There are three health and social care partnerships (HSCPs) and associated Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) in Ayrshire in the north, east and south of the region. To drive change across this landscape, they have taken an integrated approach to the implementation of the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Standards.

This approach has been enabled through a network of groups both locally and Ayrshire-wide including the:

  • Pan-Ayrshire Chief Officer’s group,
  • Pan-Ayrshire MAT Oversight Group,
  • Partnership MAT Implementation Groups.

This model has provided opportunities to work and respond at pace to emerging priorities and allowed professionals with the relevant expertise, experience and knowledge to contribute to driving change across the whole of the region.

Impact

The model has driven the strategic intent of MAT implementation. It has facilitated buy-in to new initiatives through co-production of a collective case for change and overarching vision. It has also supported operational implementation by combining resources and approaches to accelerate change and improvement. Where appropriate, IT systems, funding streams and staffing resources have been combined to set up services.

Processes, guidelines and templates have been co-designed across services and professional groups. All serving to support consistency of choice and access for people across Ayrshire. They have also achieved success in their Pan-Ayrshire work with national initiatives such as their collaboration with the Scottish Ambulance Service on Non-Fatal Overdose Pathways. This project has resulted in the development of a joint protocol to implement a service response, within 24 to 72 hours, to offer increased drug and alcohol support to both individuals known and not known to services.

Learning

Service leaders recognise the value of positive relationships in their work. All developed through effective communications across all areas of their business including with external partners and those with lived and living experience. They have also valued the power of joint working within all their projects with Housing First as a particular example of collaboration. This support provides specialist addiction and mental health interventions within the Housing First model. This approach provides a single point of contact and clear pathway between housing and statutory Community Mental Health Services and Alcohol and Drug services which work in partnership to enhance and complement the housing support offered to the homeless population.

Top Tips

  • Use multiple communication channels to keep all relevant staff groups and partners updated.
  • Focus on developing and sustaining relationships across all groups from the outset.
  • Keep an eye on the strategic horizon and be prepared to react and capitalise on opportunities.

Next Steps

Through their robust and joined up approach to planning, there is a clear path ahead. While focused on embedding their new ways of working for MAT 1 to 5, work is already afoot refining their plans and activity on MAT 6 to 10.