Council agrees to examine 'Dual Diagnosis' care services
21 January 2008
Councillors on Brighton and Hove City Council have agreed to a ‘scrutiny review’ into NHS services for people with a 'Dual Diagnosis' of substance misuse and mental health problems.
Green Party councillors asked for a review following growing concerns that people with Dual Diagnosis often fail to receive adequate medical and social care.
Brighton & Hove is ranked second in the UK for drug related deaths.
Local NHS mental healthcare provider, Sussex Partnership Trust, estimates there are 2,000 local people registered with mental health conditions and 2,500 injecting drug users in the city.
Briefing papers before the Council’s Health Scrutiny Panel highlighted that Dual Diagnosis patients often receive services on issues such as homelessness, housing, health and mental health.
They are dealt with by a large number of different agencies such as the council, health providers, housing providers, police and community safety teams.
Green councillor Georgia Wrighton, who tabled the request (pictured left), said: “Providing support and services for local people who fall into the Dual diagnosis category means significant expenditure on council and health service budgets."I’m hoping, as a result of this review, can be used more effectively by improving the way the statutory agencies work together.
“But behind all the talk of stretched budgets and service pressures lie stories of missed opportunities, broken families and wasted, shortened lives and that is what we must do our best to improve."
Cllr Wrighton pointed to the recent Shelter report ‘Reaching Out’ with its key finding that “There are still insufficient safety nets to stop people ending up on the street and once there, homeless people face multiple barriers in accessing hostels and getting the necessary support for a range of complex needs.
“Most importantly, there is a serious lack of move on accommodation, particularly for those with mental health problems or drug/alcohol dependencies.”
Green councillor Keith Taylor, who will serve on the review panel, added: “Our attention was first brought to this issue following the tragic death of a man who was discharged from hospital without appropriate support.
“I‘m very hopeful this review will be able to make recommendations to make real and positive changes in the way that all the statutory agencies can work constructively together to help some of the most vulnerable in our community.”
Notes to editors:
Media: for more information please contact Lizzie Deane, Green Party Press officer on 07899 843206.(1) Overview & Scrutiny Organising Committee (OSOC) – Jan 14 2008
(2) Report to OSOC http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/index.cfm?request=c1107343&view=agenda&date=14%2DJAN%2D2008%2017%3A00&committee=Overview%20%26%20Scrutiny%20Organisation%20Committee
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