Wiltshire and Swindon local drug intelligence and alert process
Contents
Appendices
The purpose of a local drug information system (LDIS) model is to respond to immediate risk from drugs, and to compliment the national drug intelligence work.
The aims of this LDIS are to:
- reduce the risk and incidents of drug related deaths, injury and harm caused by suspected contaminated drugs
- gather and assess intelligence on new and/or novel, potent, adulterated, or contaminated drugs
- inform professionals delivering care/support and where appropriate inform drug users of immediate risk
- alert service providers and statutory agencies of suspected contaminated illicit drugs
- identify a network of agencies/organisations that would be included in drug alerts to assist with local and national reporting
The local drug information reporting form supports this process.
Reporting form
local drug information reporting form (PDF, 139 KB)(opens new window)
Use the form for new reports only. Complete as much of it as possible, and email it to the appropriate area team.
Updating previous reports
To provide updates to a previous report you have made, use the reference number you were provided in your confirmation email, and email the appropriate area team with your update.
Area teams for Wiltshire and Swindon
Wiltshire reporting: SubstanceUseTeam@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window)
Swindon reporting: SubstanceMisuseTeam@swindon.gov.uk (opens new window)
What happens after a report is submitted
We aim to respond to all reports within 48 hours of the alert being raised (except weekends and bank holidays). We will review the information provided, and meet with the LDIS panel to assess the report and agree the next steps.
Out of hours response
If you are submitting a report outside of core business hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), or on a weekend or bank holiday, the contact details differ. See Appendix C for Wiltshire details, or Appendix D for Swindon details, on our Appendices page.
There is an expectation that if the matter is deemed urgent and cannot wait until business hours, then either Wiltshire Police or South-West Ambulance Service Foundation Trust may initiate the Op Link process using their organisations mechanisms.
Submissions of the local drug information reporting form are assessed by the LDIS panel (coordinated by Public Health team), using the following grading and efficacy matrices. These facilitate decisions on whether an alert is necessary, or required.
Print version of LDIS grading and efficacy matrices (Word doc, 92 KB)(opens new window).
Grading matrice
The grading matrice facilitates, and records, an initial decision on whether an alert is necessary.
Grading criteria - the level of evidence, and what warrants an alert:
- weak evidence - a good indication that an alert is not warranted
- medium evidence - neutral and should be supported by other strong evidence to warrant an alert
- strong evidence - a good indication that an alert is warranted
- exceptional circumstance - may make an alert more likely or even justify an alert by itself
| Grading criteria | Weak evidence | Medium evidence | Strong evidence | Exceptional circumstance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Local relevance | Not locally relevant | Maybe relevant | Locally relevant | Exceptional circumstances |
| 2. Anecdotal report | Anecdotal without support | Anecdotal supported by multiple reports | Anecdotal supported by multiple sources and other criteria | Exceptional circumstances |
| 3. Source of evidence | Unreliable or unknown source, no other evidence | Unreliable but multiple sources or supported by other evidence | Reliable source and specific enough to be of use | Exceptional circumstances |
| 4. Forensic evidence | No forensic evidence | No forensic evidence but other compelling evidence | Forensic evidence Exceptional circumstances | Exceptional circumstances |
| 5. Confirmed harm | No confirmed harm | Potential serious harm or death | Serious harm or death confirmed | Exceptional circumstances |
Efficacy matrice
The efficacy matrice facilitates, and records, a final decision on whether an alert is made.
| Efficacy questions | Do not consider an alert | Efficacy neutral | An alert is more likely | Exceptional circumstances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information is in the public domain | An alert is unwarranted and press reporting is not causing concern | An alert is unwarranted, but press reports are causing concern | As alert is being considered and press reports are causing public concern | An alert is more likely because of intense media and public attention |
| Will an alert enable avoidance or risk reduction? | An alert would not be specific enough to enable avoidance or risk reduction | An alert would not be specific but generic harm reduction advice is applicable | An alert would enable a drug avoidance or harm reduction response | An alert would not be not specific but other exceptional concerns override |
| Will an alert be counterproductive? | An alert is likely to be counterproductive | An alert may be counterproductive but harm reduction message suitable | An alert is unlikely to be counterproductive | An alert is warranted despite the risk of it being counterproductive |
When reporting out of hours for the Wiltshire area, please call the below numbers to notify the out of hours teams that an alert has been sent via email.
Public Health
Email: publichealth@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window)
Phone: 01225 716 698
Integrated Care Board (ICB)
Email: bswicb.oncall@nhs.net (opens new window)
Phone: 0333 043 8663
Connect Substance Use Service
Email: connectreferrals@turning-point.co.uk (opens new window)
Phone: 0300 555 0157
Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID)
Email: OHIDSWDrugAlert@dhsc.gov.uk (opens new window)
Rough Sleeper Team, Wiltshire Council
Email: Roughsleeperteam@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window)
Housing Wiltshire Council
Email: HSGMail@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window)
Wiltshire Adult Social Care
When reporting out of hours for the Swindon area, please call the below numbers to notify the out of hours teams that an alert has been sent via email.
SBC Control Room
Email: CCTVSecurity@swindon.gov.uk (opens new window)
Phone: 01793 464701
Mobile: 07919 111520
Share this page
