Welsh Government Health Minister Mark Drakeford yesterday (Thursday 13 February) launched new guidelines to help the recovery of substance misusers at an event held in the Orbit Centre, Merthyr Tydfil.
The Substance Misuse Treatment Framework Recovery Orientated Integrated Systems of Care guidelines are designed to assist those working with problematic substance misusers such as service planners, commissioners, substance misuse and wider health and social care providers.
For the first time in Wales the new guidelines set out a clear definition of ‘recovery’ to be adopted nation wide through a clear vision of recovery oriented systems of care. These set out a framework that will embed recovery within treatment provision across Wales and facilitate a cultural change across substance misuse treatment services.
In addition the new guidelines will also explain the implications for workforce development and what support will be required to deliver, as well as monitor and measure, Recovery Oriented Integrated Systems of Care.
Mark Drakeford said:
“The recovery framework is an excellent example of coproduction between health, the third sector, the independent sector and other partners. I’m pleased to see that this approach is evident in the extensive collaborative and consultative approach that has been taken, ensuring that the voices of those who rely upon and deliver substance misuse services in Wales have genuinely shaped this new framework”.
Caroline Phipps, Director of Drugaid, chair of the Recovery sub group
“This is significant milestone in changing the culture of services in Wales. The implementation of the recovery framework across Wales will help service become more recovery focused, and give individuals the best chance of making positive changes in their lives and recovering from problematic substance misuse.”
