Independent Review of Tier 4 Detoxification and Rehabilitation Services in Northern Ireland 2024

Overview

The purpose of this consultation is to gather opinion from members of the public, stakeholders and all interested parties on a range of recommendations arising from an Independent Review of Tier 4 In-Patient Detoxification and Residential Rehabilitation Services in Northern Ireland (the Tier 4 Review).

Addiction services in Northern Ireland are provided across 4 Tiers.

Tier 4a provision is hospital based in-patient detoxification. There are currently 3 Tier 4a sites in Northern Ireland.

Tier 4b provision is community based residential rehabilitation. There are currently 3 Tier 4b providers in Northern Ireland.

Carried out by an Independent Review team, the Review into Tier 4 Services in Northern Ireland sets out a number of recommendations with the ambition that services should be accessible, regionally consistent and recovery focused for those who use and deliver them.

The Independent Review team completed a significant programme of engagement and received considerable documentary evidence from a wide range of stakeholders and service users who shared their experiences and expertise throughout the Review. 

We are now seeking wider public views on each of the recommendations proposed as a result of the Tier 4 Review and how they should be prioritised for implementation.

Why your views matter

Responses to this consultation will help us determine:

• How the Tier 4 Review recommendations meet the needs of the population of Northern Ireland in relation to planning, design and delivery of in-patient detoxification and residential rehabilitation services 
• How we should prioritise and implement the Tier 4 Review recommendations over the next 5 years
• The regulatory, equality and other impacts of the Tier 4 Review recommendations

Support

If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues referred to in this consultation:

• Please connect with those around you or contact Lifeline: 24/7 Crisis Support Service
• People living in Northern Ireland can call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000.
• Deaf and hard of hearing Textphone users can call Lifeline on 18001 0808 808 8000.
• Calls to Lifeline are free.
• Local Alcohol and Drug services are available via Drugs and Alcohol | NI (drugsandalcoholni.info)

What happens next

Your feedback will assist the Review team to finalise the Tier 4 Recommendations and Report. The Recommendations and Report will be finalised for approval in early 2025.