Hospital health workers will provide specialist help patients with substance use issues – as part of a new initiative to help more people.
The new roles at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust will help identify patients in need and manage their hospital care, share information with other community services and help once they are fit to leave hospital care.
Josh Le Darcy, Kirstie Mineham and Francesca Linacre have started their roles as substance use practitioners over the last two weeks.
Hayley Tranter, the trust’s alcohol lead nurse, and the rest of the alcohol team will work closely with the team to improve working between hospital and community substance misuse services.
Hayley said: “These roles will help give that vital specialist support to those of our patients who have substance use issues.
“Sadly, the North East has the highest rates of drug related health issues and substance use is rising across the country.
“Josh, Kirstie and Fran will use their experience and expertise to provide care and compassion to our patients who suffer with these issues.”
Experienced practitioners joining team
The roles have been jointly funded by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Hartlepool Borough Council.
Josh, who has worked substance use for seven years across Middlesbrough and Hartlepool, said: “I have been a part of service developments across local authorities and now want to use that experience to help our patients here.”
Kirstie, who has a health wellbeing and social care qualification has completed a placement in the community drug and alcohol service and has worked at the Stockton Community Drug and Alcohol Service, said: “I am passionate about working in substance use and helping those affected.
“I want our patients to get the highest standard of care throughout their recovery.”
Fran, who has been an alcohol care team nurse at the trust for the last two years, said: “I have seen the level of need for a substance service here.
“I am excited to continue to positively impact patients’ lives and helping those suffering from addiction. We will continue to provide education to colleagues around patients’ substance use and advocate for our patients while they are in hospital.”
The service will run seven days a week across the University Hospital of North Tees, working closely with departments like urgent and emergency care, hospital wards and community services to ensure patients get the right care both in hospital and in their homes.