1. Stakeholder event – March 2012 You told us…. That you were concerned that prevention was not included in the service specification for this tender. Continuity of care and integration/ co-ordination of care is key There is a need for equity in provision; services vary depending on the type of drug use. There is also inequity between drug and alcohol treatment. Communication is a key priority Our response…. The review and procurement process primarily focuses on the recovery and treatment service. Funding for Drug and Alcohol Services is allocated in such a way that it supports this focus, although clearly the education and prevention services have an important part to play in service users care and are provided through alternative arrangements. This will be one of the key priorities in the new specification Funding received has targeted specific types of drug use. The new specification will look to provide equity of service provision across the county and ensure there are clear care pathways in place to provide appropriate levels of support across drug and alcohol use. As with any service, we agree there is a need to ensure that there is clear information and communication about services, between service providers and to service users.

2. Stakeholder event – March 2012 You told us…. Handling of dual diagnosis needs to be improved. There needs to be an holistic approach to treatment/care - consider impact on families - link to housing support - provide a client centred service - proactively engage service users throughout treatment Clear access and care pathways are essential - recognise barriers to access - ensure that information about how and where to access services is clear -deliver services locally – be open- minded about venues for delivery Our response…. This is an important area that will be highlighted in the service specification. We will be looking for reassurance from any potential provider that they have clear mechanisms in place to support service users with additional mental health needs and ensure appropriate links with other services are made. The new specification will be designed to ensure services are client-centred and cover the issues highlighted There will be a clear expectation that any potential provider will provide accessible information and services. We need to ensure that services are provided in safe and appropriate locations that, wherever possible, accommodate individuals requests. We will seek to strike an appropriate balance between well placed co-located services and more flexible arrangements to meet the needs of those in harder to reach locations

3. Stakeholder event – March 2012 You told us…. Transition between services and when users leave services needs to be well managed Engagement of primary care professionals eg. GPs is key Our response…. The specification will include both the provision of after- care services and ensure that providers manage transitions in a coordinated way Continued efforts will be made to engage GPs and other Tier 1 professionals in the drug and alcohol agenda