NHS Summit unites experts in the battle against addiction

Speakers at the North of England Substance Care Summit

Left to right (back row): Dr Tende Msimanga, Head of Clinical Service, Jez Mitchell, Public Health Principal for Wakefield Council, Sarah Warrington Lead ED Nurse, Jo Rowe, Deputy Operations Manager for Turning Point, Nick Wyrill, Patient Service Manager, Dr Sarah Robertshaw, Divisional Clinical Director, Helen Collins, Deputy Director of Operations and Len Richards, Chief Executive.

Left to right (front row): Steph Goodall, Substance Care Team Leader, Adelle Lynch, Kirklees Council Health Improvement Practitioner and Fiona McLellan, Alcohol Team Leader at Change Grown Live.

Over 100 attendees from national health and care organisations gathered at Pinderfields Hospital on Thursday 29 February, to attend the very first North of England Substance Care Summit.

The event focused on addiction related topics, discussing the stigma attached to people living with addiction. And the public’s perception to being able to access drug and alcohol related care services.

Sharing good practice and developing a network for improvement, speakers included the Substance Care Team and medical professionals from Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, who delivered presentations highlighting advancements in patient care and support.

Attendees learnt about the Substance Care Teams’ initiatives like a seven-day support service which caters to an average of 180 patients monthly. As well as follow-up care provided within the community.

Representatives from Turning Point Wakefield and Change Grow Live, shared how their organisations can help people who live with drug and alcohol misuse, to move forward into happier and healthier lives.

Education was also provided by three former patients who shared their own moving experiences on life living with an addiction.

Nick Wyrill, Patient Service Manager, and organiser of the summit commented:

Events like this summit are beneficial for us all. They enable us to share the resources that are available to those living with addiction, with organisations regionally and nationally. This helps us to work as a collective, so we can build a strong support network for patients battling addiction. All organisations in attendance share the same goal for the future. To reduce health inequalities for vulnerable patients across Wakefield, Kirklees, and wider.

Len Richards, Chief Executive of Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust added:

It was great to see the work taking place within the substance care services. As we go forward, it's crucial that we keep offering the best care possible, for those who need it most. We must continue to work closely with our local and regional partners, in ord er to make a positive impact in our communities.