Agenda item - Substance Misuse Inpatient Detoxification Beds

Report of the Director of Public Health (copy attached).

64.1         The Lead Commissioner for Substance Misuse introduced the report which detailed the proposed changes to the provision of substance misuse detoxification beds as a result of Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust’s decision to cease its contract with effect from 31^st March 2016.  The new contract effective from the 1^st April 2016 would see Brighton and Hove residents referred to City Roads residential unit in Islington, north London.  The Lead Commissioner noted that there was no alternative provider within the city and that both East and West Sussex County Councils were reviewing their arrangements and this may result in an alternative provision in the long-term for Brighton and Hove.  In the meantime there would be a review of the overall care pathway and budget allocation and of the service provided by Cranstoun at their City Roads establishment.

64.2         The Lead Commissioner also noted that referrals would be considered on an individual basis and appropriate arrangements made to ensure that anyone attending City Roads was able to get there and return after their stay safely.

64.3         Councillor Mac Cafferty queried why SPFT had chosen to end the contract and how the cost compared with the proposed service at Islington.

64.4         The Lead Commissioner stated that SPFT had lost contracts with other bodies and could not continue to meet its contractual obligations.  There was a need to continue to provide a service to residents and with no other local provider, the option to use City Roads was considered the best alternative and value for money.

64.5         Councillor Barford queried whether it was likely that a more local provision could be made in the future.

64.6         The Lead Commissioner stated that the contract was initially for a year and would be kept under review.  She noted that both East and West Sussex were looking at their contracts and it may result in an opportunity to join either of them.  She also noted that there was some evidence of having treatment outside of the local area being more beneficial and this would be taken into account as part of the review.  Overall costs were lower and Caranstoun had a good CQC report for this service.

64.7         The Chair noted that the contract was to be monitored closely and suggested that an update report be brought to the Board after quarter 2.

64.8         RESOLVED: That the report be noted and a further update report be brought to the Board in due course.