The South Ayrshire Treatment and Recovery Team (START) has been shortlisted for a Scottish Health Award in recognition of its work to reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes for people affected by substance use.
The team has been nominated in the Tackling Health Inequalities Award category, which highlights its successful implementation of Scotland's Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Standards and its commitment to improving access to treatment, delivering person-centred care and supporting recovery.
Transforming Access to Treatment
Through a programme of service redesign, trauma-informed practice and continuous improvement, START has transformed access to treatment. The average time between assessment and the start of appropriate opiate substitution treatment has reduced to just one day, while the service has consistently met national waiting time standards for drug treatment.
The nomination highlights the team's holistic approach, ensuring people receive support for their mental and physical health alongside treatment for substance use. More than 86 per cent of people remained engaged with treatment services for longer than six months, while partnership working with GP practices has helped identify and support people who may not otherwise have accessed help.
Key Roles and Harm Prevention
The contribution of the new Advanced Nurse Practitioner has been instrumental in the team's success, providing advanced clinical assessment, prescribing and care coordination. Their role has helped improve timely access to treatment, enhance patient outcomes and support a holistic, person-centred approach to recovery.
The team also continues to play a key role in preventing drug-related harm across South Ayrshire through the delivery of naloxone and overdose prevention initiatives, while actively working to reduce stigma and improve access to support for individuals affected by substance use and ultimately try to prevent drug related deaths.
Recognition and Next Steps
Councillor Julie Dettbarn, Chair of South Ayrshire Integration Joint Board, said: “Being shortlisted for a Scottish Health Award is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the dedication and compassion shown by the START team every day.”
Mark Inglis, Director of Health and Social Care in South Ayrshire, said: “This nomination reflects the commitment of our staff and partners to providing high-quality, person-centred care through the implementation of the MAT Standards.”
The Scottish Health Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams across Scotland's health and social care sector, with winners announced later this year.
