More than 1,800 patients throughout Fife who are trying to recover from various addictions are continuing to receive care and support.
Fife health and social care partnership’s addiction service said it was working with partners from third sector agencies, health professionals and addiction recovery support groups to provide the best help and advice possible.
Face-to-face contact is limited due to the current restrictions, but every patient has been contacted by telephone and letter to let them know about changes to the services they are used to.
Patients who have been dependent on opiates – such as heroin users – have been issued with Naloxone kits, which might save their life or the life of friends or relatives if they have an overdose.
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.
“Employees from third sector agencies and allied health professionals have been delivering Naloxone kits and prescriptions to pharmacies across Fife and to patients who are self- isolating or being shielded.
“For patients in recovery, support groups are providing vital services through online forums.”
Ms Barker said nursing teams were also available over the phone to assess needs, review treatment and provide advice and support.
Peer support, including in the form of video chats, has also been crucial throughout the lockdown period.
Angela Swift, Fife health and social care 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.”
