Wandsworth DAAT Service User Consultation Outcomes

 

What works well?

 

  • The GP knew what to do
  • Structured programs
  • Input (via invitation) into aftercare group
  • Coherent care plan (active input in) 

 

What could be improved?

 

  • No aftercare (GP’s – no information) 
  • Holistic approach
  • Lack of knowledge/services (GP)
    • back and forth to services (results in giving up)
  • When you need help you need it now not in 3 months time
  • At the moment it’s a one size fits all model
  • Need more crack services
  • GP training
  • Housing, need help for sorting it out as housing can make the situation worse and makes people feel down
  • Holiday – lots of places are closed and this is a vulnerable time of year for people to be without help
    • Out of hours, there are no services that cater for emergencies, A and E don’t stock medications
  • Prejudice from call centers, this treatment can cause a relapse as people can sometimes feel more supported when they are using
  • Not everyone fits into the same ‘box’ and every case should be treated differently 
  • Communication between, GP’s, services etc is poor
  • Patients should receive a reminder either by phone, text or post to remind them of their appointment as they can sometimes have a lot on their mind and forget appointments 
  • More ex service users involved in services 
  • Improved drug education in schools (show the horror stories of becoming an addict)
    • Gangs and getting caught up in bad crowds
  • Unsafe environments (potential relapse coming from structured treatment to drop in centers)
  • ‘2 year clean rule’ (has become a rule), this hinder employment and stops people from moving forward
  • Pharmacy Needle Exchange and Supervised Dispensing
    • No privacy at the pharmacy
    • Scared to go in (especially women with children)
  • Fear of reporting Hepatitis C status (effect their lives, be on databases)                                                                                             

  

How could we attract more people into using services? What attracts people into services?

  

  • Advertise on radio, TV, bill boards, Churches, metro, busses, libraries, off-license, GP’s, schools, pharmacies and phone boxes
  • There should be advertisements on national television 
  • Action helpline for drugs and alcohol 
  • Better training for hospitals and GP’s in Wandsworth
  • Make sure service users, GP’s etc have a better knowledge of young people services so they can signpost younger people when they ask for help
  • Satellite clinics that are open on weekend and at nights to make support more accessible
  • Outreach workers that are ex users that have at least one years training to go onto estates and man help lines, this would help as they have been in the situation themselves
  • Websites
  • Make sure that people are aware that help lines etc are confinential
  • Leaflet and posters in all pharmacies
  • An outreach service to engage with users made up of ex users, need a user friendly attitude
  • Awareness

o       Open day in a public space

  • Encourage charity days e.g. sponsored walks
  • Better outreach and education to young people 
  • Safer injecting rooms
    • Outreach/interaction
    • Doctor available on site
    • Include a smoking room
  • Outreach available at night clubs
  • Hold social events e.g. Disco/dance parties at services every few weeks
  • Specialist answering calls need to be fully trained and knowledgeable and available 24/7
  • Talk to Frank – useless
  • Buddy scheme, would be helpful to have someone that has been through it all and come out the other end, it would be inspiring for people

- Perhaps need to offer ex users an incentive to come back and do this type of work

  

  

How to keep people in services once they arrive?

 

  • Drop in staff need to be clear about what is on offer
  • Primary services should refer
  • Incentives such as gyms, day trips activities
  • People stay in services through the criminal justice system but they drop out as soon as they can
  • Crack services, only open short hours 
  • Need more information and support on HCV
  • Specialist outreach workers who are friendly and approachable with a community and youth work background with links to emergency places of safety and that have access to making emergency appointments

 

Drop outs

 

  • Assessments are sometimes difficult to access, 1 choice, 1 appointment
    • Lack of flexibility
    • Systems are too rigid
  • Alternatives, AA and NA
  • Aftercare, interaction with other SU’s throughout TX plan 
  • Referrals, encouraged to engage in more than one service 
  • Assessment, 1 for all services, sharing information

 

 

 

NOTE: Sandwiches should be supplied for next year’s consultation!!

 

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