what is Shared Care?

The joint participation of specialists and GPs (and other agencies as appropriate) in the planned delivery of care for patients with a drug misuse problem, informed by an enhanced information exchange beyond routine discharge and referral letters.

How to access service
Self referral is usual way and quickest way using drop in sessions either at Garage or some areas such as Thorne and Mexborough GP referral.

How many will be seen in S/C?
The aim is for the majority of people with substance misuse problems to be seen in Shared Care approximately 70%.

Who works in S/C?
Interested and trained GPs (who achieve a nationally recognised qualification in substance misuse) working with key worker support.

What S/C can offer

• Concern? Listening? Empathy?
• Health check, e.g. blood pressure
• Screening for blood borne viruses
• Contraception, smear
• Sexual health advice
• Check general immunisation status
• Signpost to additional help (counselling, benefits, housing, safer injecting advice)
• Information on local drugs services including needle exchange

• Poly-drug use is now the norm and patients may need referral especially those who continue to use dangerous combinations of drugs
• Very young (under 18 years)
• Pregnant
• Severe psychiatric co morbidity
• Complex social problems beyond the reach of the GP/shared care team
• Severe coexistent alcohol problem
s
• Patients who remain chaotic after appropriate treatment instigated
• Any situation where GP feels his/her competence and/or confidence is exceeded
• Stimulant use or benzodiazepine use as main problem substances

Other inclusion criteria: Registered with GP practice in following locations.

Locations for S/C

• Bentley Jade Centre
• Thorne Haynes House
• Mexborough Hallgate Centre
• Balby McGill Chemist
• Cavendish Court Dove centre
• Rossington / Stainforth
• Denaby LIFT Building (due to start late 2008)