Independent investigation: Vincent Francis, Wells (2009)

The development of standardised tools which specifically measure alcohol/substance dependency should be promoted for common use in services when risk assessment indicates a problem with alcohol and substance misuse.

The Trust and commissioners should seek evidence by audit that young people are able to access the fullest possible range of specialist alcohol and substance misuse services which relate to health and clinical interventions.

The Trust should seek evidence and reassurance that GP and carer groups are consulted when policies are developed which are aimed at improving service delivery to young people with alcohol misuse problems.

Consideration of the design of shared care protocols between various agencies that offer services to young people who may have alcohol/substance misuse problems be promoted by the Trust.

An up to date audit of the quality of joint plans with community mental health and primary care services for children and adolescents should be undertaken by the Trust and commissioners and the results disseminated to carer and interested parties.

The work being undertaken by the Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in the area of specialist supervision, support and training in personality disorder, should continue and include a wider dissemination of the results of the evaluation of the programme. Read more The work being undertaken by the Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in the area of specialist supervision, support and training in personality disorder, should continue and include a wider dissemination of the results of the evaluation of the programme. Show less

Clear statements should be made on the philosophy and values of the contributing specialist services and agencies. These should describe professional interventions which satisfy service users, families and carers, and degree of risk. They should promote risk sharing and management, … Read more Clear statements should be made on the philosophy and values of the contributing specialist services and agencies. These should describe professional interventions which satisfy service users, families and carers, and degree of risk. They should promote risk sharing and management, inclusiveness e.g. those with personality disorders and young people who are actively using alcohol and substances, together with a culture of on-going engagement with treatment. Show less

Research and development of new treatment approaches should be encouraged and supported to examine the needs of patients and carers who have previously been considered difficult to engage and treat e.g. young people and people with personality disorders in the … Read more Research and development of new treatment approaches should be encouraged and supported to examine the needs of patients and carers who have previously been considered difficult to engage and treat e.g. young people and people with personality disorders in the community. Show less

The implementation of the action plan arising from the Trusts internal investigation should be subject to on-going audit and evaluation to demonstrate full compliance with the recommendations.