Addiction centre to be enhanced

Addiction centre to be enhanced

9 July 2014

THE key role of a specialist addiction centre at the Downshire Hospital in Downpatrick is to be expanded.

The Health and Social Care Board — which recently conducted a Province-wide review of addiction services — has confirmed the Shimna House facility will not only remain in place, but several additional staff will be recruited to work there.

The Board engaged in extensive public consultation on a new inpatient alcohol and drug commissioning framework for Northern Ireland based on providing addiction services in Downpatrick, Antrim and at a site in the Western Health Trust area.

As a result of the review, the Board has confirmed the Shimna House service will comprise 12 inpatient beds operating at 90 per cent capacity. Previously, 14 beds at the Downshire site operated at 75 per cent occupancy.

Board officials say there will be no change in the number of bed days at Shimna House — also known locally as Ward 15 — but confirmed additional staff will be recruited “to improve the quality of the service.”

Health chiefs have also confirmed that as a result of their review, there is no funding threat to addiction services provided in Downpatrick.

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie is delighted Shimna House, run by the South Eastern Trust, will continue to be a lead regional facility for the treatment of addictions. She said the facility has an international reputation for delivering first class and innovative services.

The MP continued: “Following the review of addiction services it was vital to secure the future of those provided at Shimna House. Recent announcements that the Western Trust is to be allocated 12 beds as a result of the review caused a degree of concern locally, with fears funding for the 12-bed model in Downpatrick may be reduced. These have proved unfounded.

“The Board has now confirmed the retention and development of a site in the Western Trust will have no financial impact on the new service being developed at the Downshire Hospital.

“In addition, the new inpatient model in Downpatrick will lead to an enhancement in staffing which is good news for patients and staff and the wider South Down community.”

Miss Ritchie said addiction services at Shimna House have and continue to be the best on the Island of Ireland, with the working model in place in Downpatrick a “leading example for addiction services throughout this region.”

The MP added: “It’s important we not only retain health services in Down but see them enhanced and developed. This confirmation of funding and development of addiction services at Shimna House is excellent news. I look forward to the future delivery of these vital services and the development of this excellent facility.”