Agenda item

Darlington Drug and Alcohol Service (STRIDE)

Presentation by the Contract Manager and Executive Director of Business Development

Minutes:

The Contracts Manager and Interim Executive Director of Business Development gave a PowerPoint presentation (previously circulated) on the Darlington Drug and Alcohol Service (STRIDE).

 

The presentation provided details of the 2021/22 performance headlines, including a comparison against 2020/21. Particular reference was made to the improvements in relation to the number of people in treatment, which had increased by 10.7 percent; that successful completion had increased to 23.3 per cent from 13.2 per cent; and prison to community engagement had increased to 59.6 per cent, compared to a national average of 37 per cent

 

Members were informed that deaths in treatment had increased from 1.2 per cent to 2.2 per cent which was to be expected in light of increased footfall and the deaths were predominantly alcohol related. Members also noted that the service had been rated Good by CQC in all areas.

 

The future ambitions for the service were outlined; and Members viewed a video, detailing how With You made a difference in Darlington, which included interviews with service users.

 

Discussion ensued regarding the importance of partnership working; Members were informed of the work being undertaken with Darlington Memorial Hospital to develop an alcohol pathway; and following a question, Members were informed that the service did not have a waiting list and the procedure for responding to a DNA was outlined. Members requested figures in relation to the performance headlines.

 

Further discussion ensued regarding the alcohol related deaths; Members were informed that both drug and alcohol usage were a concern in Darlington, however alcohol mortality rates exceeded those of opioids and the effects from increased alcohol usage following covid were now becoming evident.

 

Following a question regarding the new location for the service on Tubwell Row Members were advised that the move would be completed by Christmas and this new location was more accessible for the service users. Members welcomed a site visit once the move had been completed.

 

RESOLVED –That the Contracts Manager and Interim Executive Director of Business Development, We Are With You, be thanked for their informative presentation.

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