Almost 2000 addicts offered lockdown support in Fife

Agencies, recovery groups and health care professionals have teamed up to ensure the best support for people with addiction issues.

In total, they are covering 1800 patients across the region.

Medication has been delivered along with prescriptions from pharmacies to people self isolating or being shielded during the coronavirus pandemic.

For patients in recovery, support groups are hosting online forums.

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Lynn Barker Fife Health and Social Care Partnership’s associate director of nursing said: “We are very grateful for the support from Third Sector agencies and addiction recovery support groups during this crisis.

“The Addictions Service has been coordinating activities to meet the challenge of the Coronavirus outbreak.

“It has contacted every patient by telephone and letter to let them know about the changes to the services. Opiate dependent patients have been issued with individual Naloxone kits, which might save their life if they have an overdose, and nursing teams are available by telephone to assess needs, review treatment and provide advice and support.”

Angela Swift, the partnership’s clinical services manager said: “Everyone from the alcohol and drug partnership Fife (ADP) is working together and using technology to support patients on their continuing goal of recovery.

“Virtual peer support recovery meetings are being provided by the Fife intensive rehabilitation substance misuse team and DAPL (Drug, Alcohol Psychotherapies Limited). They are proving to be crucial and one-to-one support is offered by telephone. Feedback from patients is very positive.”

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