AQW 34572/22-27


Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry


Tabled Date: 04/11/2025
Answered On Date: 19/11/2025
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail what measurable progress has been made against the ten-year Substance Use Strategy in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, since its publication.


Answer:
In line with the regional direction set by the Department’s Substance Use Strategy, the Northern Health and Social Care Trust has partnered with the Public Health Agency (PHA), the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG), and other regional stakeholders to advance a broad range of actions identified as priorities within both the Strategy and the Substance Use Strategic Commissioning and Implementation Plan. Key areas of progress include:
Piloting the Treatment Outcomes Profile (TOP) tool—the regionally agreed outcome measurement tool to be used within the HSC Encompass system. This NHSCT pilot aims to support more outcome-focused data collection and promote effective information sharing and governance across substance use services.
Improving access to treatment and support services for vulnerable women and individuals in the pre- and post-natal period. NHSCT substance use and maternity services are working collaboratively across service boundaries to strengthen links between maternity (including neonatal) and substance use services, ensuring that treatment services actively reduce barriers for women and those with childcare responsibilities.
Collaborating with SPPG and regional partners to implement key recommendations from the Independent Review of Regional Tier 4 Services. This includes working with SPPG and other stakeholders to develop a new service specification in line with a 3-year procurement plan, that will address inconsistencies in referral pathways, improve access to Tier 4 rehabilitation beds, and support the development of a Regional Specialist Assessment, Treatment, and Recovery Service for Substance Use.
Reducing substance-related harm through an innovative pharmacy-based pilot, which will provide brief interventions and referrals for individuals at risk from over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic medication in the NHSCT area.
Contributing to the Regional Co-occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Task and Finish Group to develop a comprehensive work plan. This plan will build capacity in both mental health and substance use services, ensuring they are equipped to meet the full needs of individuals with co-occurring issues in the NHSCT area and regionally.
In support of the strategy, the Department also publishes a regular update on the indicators, available online at https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/substance-use-strategy-indicators-summary-report.