A ‘single door’ route to give problem drug users a faster road to recovery has been praised in an independent evaluation.
Edinburgh Medication Assisted Treatment Clinic (EdMAC) gives same day access to medications like methadone and buprenorphine.
Previously people with drug dependency had to join a waiting list to be able to access treatment and were less likely to follow through.
EdMAC is delivered by Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership in partnership with Change Grow Live and Turning Point Scotland. It operates five days a week from a centre in Spittal Street with pharmacists from both EHSCP and Royal Edinburgh Hospital and Associated Services. Service users can drop in to be assessed and, if suitable, get a prescription that same day.
An independent evaluation from Figure 8 found EHSP staff treated the service users with care and compassion and praised the very high number of patients that were able to enter treatment that same day.
Christine Laverty, chief officer of EHSCP, said: “Giving those who need it a fast route to receive treatment is crucial. If left for weeks to get an appointment, the motivation to get help can go and the opportunity for moving into recovery is lost.
“The team at EdMAC received a very positive evaluation, undertaken by an independent research consultancy. They found the facility is operating at pace and service users are entering treatment quickly.
“Once people engage with the service, they can also access help for issues like homelessness, mental health and medical needs.”
The clinic opened in 2024 and the evaluation found that of the service users that joined in 2024, over 80 per cent were still in treatment six months later.
Christine added: “The unusually high retention rate of patients is testament to the hard work of the staff who make every person that comes through their doors feel valued.
“Often those with drug dependency have not been engaged with services for a long time and EdMAC is giving them a route to access help, support and treatment.”