The Scottish Government

« Previous | Contents | Next »

Listen

Dear Colleague

CONSULTATION ON DRAFT NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS FOR SUBSTANCE MISUSE SERVICES

The Action Plan in October 2004 which followed the Executive's Review of Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Services recommended development of national standards with an emphasis on outcomes for service users, together with systems for monitoring and evaluation. This recommendation addresses the lack of an overarching agreed framework which describes the quality of provision and delivery required in services for drug misusers and people with alcohol problems.

To begin this process representatives of drug and alcohol services, service commissioners and regulatory bodies such as the Care Commission and the Social Work Inspection Agency have met with the Executive to plan a workable framework of quality standards which focus particularly on practical aspects of the quality and integration of services for people with substance misuse problems.

The Steering Group arrived at a consensus about the principles which should underpin the development of quality standards and a framework in which these standards are set.

• There should be a set of common standards across Scotland, published by Scottish Ministers but with local ownership.
• There should be no added burden on services (in the form of another layer of inspections) without being of clear benefit.
• Any evaluation of the use of quality standards should be supportive and address those aspects of practice not covered in existing inspections.
• The standards will cover both drug and alcohol services.
• The implementation of the standards will seek to improve services.
• Development should build on existing good practice.
• There should be substantial service user and community input to any evaluation of the implementation of the standards.

The Steering Group has also drafted 11 overarching standards, each with its set of underpinning statements and we are now seeking your opinion on these. The consultation document is included with this letter.

In accordance with Scottish Executive commitments the consultation will last for a period of 12 weeks and you are invited to respond in writing by 28 April 2006. Information on the consultation process and how to respond to it are included in the consultation document.

The Respondent Information Form (Annex A) and Substance Misuse Quality Standards Consultation Response Form (Annex B) are attached. Please feel free to photocopy these if required. Both Annex A and B should be returned to Phil Hogben, Quality Standards Advisor, Scottish Executive, Safer Communities Division, Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Team, 1W(South), St Andrew's House, Edinburgh EH1 3DG.

We are also planning a series of six workshops across Scotland during the consultation. These will take place in:-

The workshops will

• Introduce and discuss the standards;
• Look at the ways they can contribute to improving service provision and services outcomes; and
• Consider next steps in developing an evaluation framework.

You are invited to attend any of these workshops and contribute to the consultation in this manner. Should you wish to do so please return the workshop booking form at Annex C. The booking form should be returned to Gordon Hastie at the address on the form. Please note that spaces at each of these events are limited and, whilst we cannot guarantee you a place, every effort will be made to accommodate your wishes.

If you have any other queries regarding the consultation or the development of the quality standards framework, please get in touch with Carole Ross on 0131 244 2208 or Phil Hogben on 0131-244-2209 or Philip.Hogben@scotland.gsi.gov.uk .

Yours sincerely

ANNEX A

RESPONDENT INFORMATION FORM

ANNEX B

Substance Misuse Quality Standards Consultation Response Form

ANNEX C

National Quality Standards for Substance Misuse Services

Workshop Booking Form

These are the venues and dates for the forthcoming quality standards workshops. Please indicate the workshops that will be the most convenient for you to attend, in order of preference from 1 - 3, 1 being your preferred location. Please also enter your details below.

YOUR DETAILS

Full Name:___________________________ Organisation:_________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone No.________________________ e-mail:______________________________

Any special requirements e.g. disability/dietary:__________________________________________

Please send your completed booking form back as soon as possible to:

Or email these details to Gordon.Hastie@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

« Previous | Contents | Next »