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Contents
editor’s letter
ON THE COVER
‘Service users must stay at
the heart of commissioning’
Six challenges to repair our treatment system p6
4
NEWS
PHE launches prescription drug review; Cigarette-style warnings on alcohol.
6
8
9
9
THE HEART OF THE MATTER
Collective Voice set out six key challenges to fix a fractured treatment system.
ANXIOUS TIMES
Bambos Charalambous MP calls for action on young people’s Xanax use.
POST-ITS FROM PRACTICE
It’s time for a meaningful partnership with patients, says Dr Steve Brinksman.
RESOURCES CORNER
An oldie but goldie – George Allan on a vintage users’ view DVD.
10 COMMISSIONING FOR CHANGE
A new independent expert faculty sets out the challenges facing the sector..
12 A MORAL IMPERATIVE
Danny Hames describes the vital role of NHS trusts in providing quality services.
13 RIPE FOR REFRESHMENT
It’s time to overhaul our outdated alcohol strategy, hears the APPG.
14 THE RIGHT FOCUS
Service users need to be heard in any review of commissioning. DDN reports.
16 PROFILE – KELLY HALLETT
DDN hears from the Equinox MD on the importance of partnerships.
18 CLINICAL EYE
Ishbel Straker on the sensitive subject of facing up to death.
19 FREE TO BREATHE
Give smokers access to e-cigarettes, says Neil McKeganey.
20 A STEP TOO FAR?
Is the ‘cycle of change’ still relevant, asks Natalie Davies.
22 BALANCING ACT
Jody Leach on improving provision for IPED users.
23 LEGAL EYE
Detail is key when challenging CQC reviews, stresses Nicole Ridgwell.
Reporter: David Gilliver
e: [email protected]
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D
isinvestment and the fragmentation of services continue to
dominate dialogue and debate. Yet according to Collective
Voice, (page 7), we have the best opportunity in a decade to
address complex problems faced by service users and their
communities. The newly formed Faculty of Commissioning is on a
similar wavelength (page 10) in identifying the challenges to be
tackled, and they reiterate the call for better integration with mental
health and housing services.
We are clear that commissioning needs an overhaul, a situation
underlined by the ACMD Recovery Committee. On page 14 we look
at why service user involvement must stay at the heart of this
process. Tim Sampey’s comments are a reminder that there are
many vibrant peer-led initiatives around the country that are leant
on when needed for ‘service user involvement’ in strategy papers,
but which should be written into tender documents as a core part of
services. We’re looking forward to seeing many of these groups in
action at our DDN Conference on 22 February.
The other important element of the consultations is to not forget
the evidence that should inform them – such as when discussing a
new alcohol strategy. As Dr Richard Piper reminds us (page 13), there
is a large pool of evidence on which to draw in modernising the
2012 strategy. Consultations focus the mind, but we must
remember to stay open to innovation. The growth of partnerships
such as the alliance of NHS Trusts (page 12) offer new momentum
in tackling old problems.
Claire Brown, editor
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February 2018 | drinkanddrugsnews | 3