### National Acclaim for South Ayrshire’s Treatment and Recovery Team
The South Ayrshire Treatment and Recovery Team (START) has received significant recognition by being shortlisted for a Scottish Health Award in the Tackling Health Inequalities category. This nomination lauds their relentless efforts in mitigating health disparities and improving the outcomes for individuals struggling with substance use issues.
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START’s commendation stems from its successful application of Scotland’s Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Standards, demonstrating a robust commitment to enhancing access to treatments and offering personalised care tailored to individual recovery journeys. Over the past year, the team has undertaken significant service redesigns, embraced trauma-informed practices, and fostered a culture of continual improvement, markedly transforming how treatment is accessed.
Notably, the average time from assessment to the commencement of opiate substitution treatment has plummeted to just one day, with the service consistently meeting national waiting time benchmarks for drug treatment. This swift and effective engagement exemplifies their holistic approach, emphasising the interconnection between mental and physical health support and substance use treatment.
Statistics reveal that an impressive 86 per cent of clients have remained engaged with treatment services for over six months. Partnerships with local GP practices have been crucial in identifying and supporting individuals who may not have sought help otherwise. The involvement of a new Advanced Nurse Practitioner has further bolstered their success by offering advanced clinical assessments, prescribing, and care coordination—leading to improved access and outcomes for patients, while supporting a comprehensive and client-focused recovery methodology.
Moreover, START plays a vital role in combatting drug-related harm throughout South Ayrshire, administering naloxone and overdose prevention initiatives. They are also actively engaged in destigmatising substance use issues, working fervently to increase access to support for affected individuals, ultimately striving to avert drug-related fatalities.
Councillor Julie Dettbarn, Chair of the South Ayrshire Integration Joint Board, expressed pride in the team’s achievements, underscoring that their dedication facilitates quicker access to support and helps overcome barriers to treatment, enhancing the overall health and well-being of the community.
Mark Inglis, Director of Health and Social Care in South Ayrshire, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the staff’s commitment to providing high-quality, client-centred care which is evidently making a meaningful impact on lives by tackling health inequalities in the region.
The Scottish Health Awards honour outstanding achievements in the health and social care sector across Scotland, with winners to be announced later this year. The anticipation surrounding this nomination serves not only to recognise the efforts of the START team but also to inspire continued improvement and innovation in health care services throughout the country.