i-access, Surrey’s drug and alcohol service, attended the HSJ Partnership Awards on 27 February at the Park Plaza, Westminster, as finalists in the category of 'Most Effective Contribution to Clinical Redesign'.
This was in recognition of the innovative approach taken by Surrey County Council, Surrey and Borders Partnership Foundation Trust, Catalyst and people who use the service to work together to integrate drug and alcohol services in Surrey.
i-access offers specialist assessment, support and treatment to people in Surrey who want help with their problematic drug use and those who are dependent on alcohol and want to stop or control their drinking. The service is a partnership between Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Catalyst, a specialist non-profit organisation who work with people with issues arising from drugs, alcohol and mental health.
The team were proud to be shortlisted, despite tough competition from hundreds of other applicants. Katie Matthews, Associate Director Substance Misuse Services at Surrey and Borders, said: “While we missed out on the top spot, making the finals for this award recognises the way effective partnership working is benefitting people who use the i-access service.”
Sue Murphy, Chief Executive for Catalyst, said “The integration of adult substance misuse treatment service was led by a partnership that brought together Surrey County Council, Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Catalyst, and it is recognised that this approach has improved relationships between these three sectors and strengthened the network of resources that can be drawn upon to strengthen residents recovery journeys”.
Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Public Health, said: “After listening to views and feedback, the team brought together specialists, clinicians and people who have experience of using the service to make sure that support and treatments are truly tailored to individual needs.
“This ground-breaking approach has improved people’s recovery journeys while they access one local service, leading to more people successfully completing treatment.
“This service is a great example of how doing things differently with our partners can lead to benefits for residents - congratulations to all involved in receiving this prestigious national recognition.”
The HSJ Partnership Awards celebrate the most effective partnerships with the NHS and highlight the benefits which working with the private and third sectors can bring to patients and NHS organisations.
Pictured above: Some of the iaccess team at the awards ceremony on 27 February