Addictions HIT to look at alcohol and substance misuse

A new Health Integration Team (HIT) looking at the treatment, management and prevention of alcohol and substance misuse has been given the green light by the Bristol Health Partners Executive Group. The Addictions HIT is led by Barbara Coleman, Service Manager Public Health, Katherine Williams, Substance Misuse Team Leader, both from Bristol City Council, Matthew Hickman, Professor of Public Health and Epidemiology, of the University of Bristol and Dr Tim Williams, Clinical Director of the Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service in Bristol.

Drug and alcohol treatment services and interventions to prevent drug misuse and excessive drinking span secondary care, primary care, police, probation and other public services in the community, and extend to policies and powers administered by Bristol City Council. The team includes representatives from across the organisations that have a part to play in reducing alcohol and substance misuse related harm, and also includes service users to ensure that their voice is heard.

HIT Director Barbara Coleman said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to set up the Addictions Health Integration Team. The best way to affect change in this complex area is to collaborate across organisational boundaries. Becoming a HIT will help us do this even more effectively, and I hope that we can make a real difference to the lives of those affected by addiction in Bristol.”