Decision Report 201800547

Summary

Mr C complained about the care and treatment provided to him at one of the board's addiction clinics. In particular, he felt that he did not receive appropriate support in order to help him withdraw from his diazepam medication (medication to help anxiety or withdrawal symptoms) in a safe and controlled manner. He said that he had been discharged back to the community mental health team without any assistance to reduce his medication.

We took independent advice from a psychiatrist. We found that Mr C's consultant psychiatrist had referred him to the addiction unit for advice and support to assist in his withdrawal from diazepam. The referral to the addiction team was on a time limited basis, with further care and treatment to be provided by the community mental health team. The addiction team made appropriate slight amendments to the dosage of Mr C's medication. We also found that Mr C received appropriate advice on psychological support services which were available in the community. We found that it was also appropriate that a long term treatment plan to enable Mr C to reduce his diazepam dosage was managed by the community mental health team as Mr C had a number of other health issues which would have been outwith the scope of the addiction unit. We did not uphold the complaint.