Re-location proposed to improve drug and alcohol treatment services

Published Tuesday, 4th February 2020

Councillors are being asked to approve the re-location of Hartlepool's Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service to new high-quality, more accessible premises in the town centre.

Public health officials at Hartlepool Borough Council say the proposed move is a key part of their plans to transform the delivery of treatment services and help people reduce their levels of dependency.

Space within the One Life Centre in Park Road has been identified for the service which is currently based mainly in Whitby Street.

The proposed re-location will be considered by the Council’s Finance and Policy Committee on Monday February 10th.

Director of Public Health Pat Riordan said: “The One Life Centre is in a very good location in the town centre, close to good public transport links and near to a range of related health facilities, including pharmacies, GP practices and specialist health services.

“The clinical space is of the highest quality and will allow the service to develop from one that ostensibly provides opiate medication to one which delivers a wide range of primary care-orientated clinical interventions in a clean and modern environment that meets the requirements of the Care Quality Commission.”

In contrast, the current temporary building in Whitby Street which was erected in 2002, is felt to be no longer fit for purpose due to its layout, internal fit-out and condition.

Its location close to housing and within the Council’s Innovation and Skills Quarter regeneration area which is enjoying some success in attracting new businesses, is also felt to be inappropriate.

The re-configuration also includes transferring recovery services from The Willows in Raby Road to Gladstone House in Victoria Road, with the new premises expected to be fully operational by March 2nd.

The premises are larger than the Willows and will offer substance misusers a range of facilities and spaces where they will be able to meet, support one another and receive support from a range of agencies.

Gladstone House - unlike The Willows - also has planning consent to “treat” patients who have achieved a level of recovery that enables them to move away from more specialist prescribing to recovery prescribing in a more suitable and stable environment.