Shared Care

The SMART service provides GP Shared Care satellite services in 5 practices in the southern part of the London Borough of Lambeth. The provision of Shared care in GP settings is designed to provide a partnership between doctors trained in substance misuse treatment and psycho-social and more practical support being delivered by SMART drug workers.

Individual surgeries that enter into a contract with the Lambeth PCT under the Local Enhanced Services (LES) all sign up to an agreed protocol that governs best practice in the treatment of substance misuse. GP's are required to have undertaken the Royal College of Practitioners training in substance misuse and are qualified to assess, titrate and prescribe substitute medications for the treatment of heroin addiction.

SMART drug workers provide support to the GP's in relation to correct dosing and client's primary care needs, as well as undertaking one to one sessions with all clients.

Smart workers deal with a range of practical issues.  These include;

• Housing
• Benefits advice
• Court Cases
• Onward referrals to other agencies
• Harm Reduction advice

 SMART workers also facilitate access to the SMART Tier 2/3 drug services for people who require more support, complementary therapies or needle exchange services. They can also provide easy access through our site based service to hepatitis screening, vaccinations and hepatitis C treatment for all clients concerned about Blood Borne Viruses.

Locations for SMART/GP Shared Care Scheme