(Treatment Service Only)
Who we are and who we support
The treatment service is a multidisciplinary team that offers assessment clinical interventions and treatment (where appropriate) to those who experience complex alcohol dependency who require consideration for alcohol detoxification and opiate substance use (this can also include other substances which coincide).
Our team consists of Medical Professionals (Psychiatrist & GP Specialist), Mental Health Nurses & Support Workers, Occupational Therapist, Psychology, and Social Work.
We work closely and in partnership with Midlothian and East Lothian Drugs (MELD) who provide our initial contact pathway through the contact service as well as support for example psychosocial intervention, 1:1, group, alternative therapies for drugs and alcohol. We also work in partnership with Health In Mind (HIM) who also provide various degrees off support 1:1, group, and peer support.
Support we offer
The treatment service will provide clinical care, intervention and treatment for as long as you need, working alongside you to achieve your recovery goals and explore how you can be supported by other organisations when appropriate.
A holistic assessment of your needs will be carried out by one of our nurses which focuses on your current substance use, but also considers your social needs, mental well being, and physical health.
We can also offer evidenced based psychological & psychosocial interventions based on your needs, delivered by appropriately trained professionals.
Some of the interventions and treatments we can offer include:
- Same day assessment for Opioid Replacement Therapy ORT
- Community based alcohol detoxification (and referral for inpatient detox)
- Abstinence based treatments for alcohol dependence
- A range of opioid replacement treatments (ORT)
- Alcohol Awareness Groups
- Decider Skills Groups
- Women only Creative Group
- Assessment and referral for residential rehabilitation
- OT Assessment Intervention and Support
- Psychology Assessment and Treatment (and other psychological interventions delivered by the wider team)
How to be access the service
MELD self-referral contact service which is available 7 days per week (via a 24hour answer phone) on 07843339958
(please also see separate substance use recovery worker section for more information on MELD and what other services they can also offer).
You can also be referred directly via your GP to Midlothian SUS.
How long you might wait to be seen
MELD aim to respond to all calls on the day of contact.
If your GP refers you, you will be offered an initial appointment within 21 days of Midlothian SUS receiving that referral from your GP.
(where people are seeking treatment for opioid dependence, they can be seen same/next day as per MAT Standard Guidance).
Confidentiality
We follow strict NHS confidentiality rules and will always explain how your information is used.
We also have service level data protection agreements with our partnership services MELD and HIM.
Accessible information
We aim to make our services and information accessible to everyone.
If you need this information in another format (such as large print, braille, audio, or Easy Read), in another language, or if you need communication support (such as a British Sign Language interpreter), please contact: The Big Word – Tel: 0800 757 3100, or for communication support – contact : contactscotland-bsl.org
Contact & hours
- Monday to Friday service (9am-5pm), and we are closed on public holidays.
- Crisis numbers and signposting to out of hours services can be access through NHS 24 111 or for mental health crisis and distress please refer to the mental Health and resilience Service information on Midspace.
Working with us – our principles
| Our promise | What that means for you |
| Collaboration | You, your carers (if you wish) and staff plan care together from day one. |
| Recovery‑focused | We focus on helping you live a meaningful life at all stages throughout your recovery journey. |
| Self‑management | We share information and support to help you stay in control of your health and wellbeing. |
| Trauma‑informed | We understand how past trauma can affect you, and will respond sensitively, avoiding further harm and in a way that should promote emotional safety and wellbeing. |
| Rights‑based | You have the right to be treated with dignity, respect and to make informed choices. |
| MAT Standards | As well as operating within national and local strategies for delivering mental health services, we will offer care that is aligned to the Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) Standards Scotland. Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) standards: access, choice, support – gov.scot |
Service Feedback
If you would like to provide a compliment, raise a concern, or make a complaint about this service, please visit: https://www.nhslothian.scot/yourrights/patient-experience-team-tell-us-about-your-experience/
Our service is monitored by Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership. We use feedback and performance data to keep improving what we do.
