Enhance Healthcare and Symington Card Home information: FOI release

Information requested

1. Could you advise what discussions you are having and financial agreements are in place with Enhance Care Homes for their Symington Card Home in Ayrshire?

2. What risk assessments do you carryout to ensure these facilities are safe for surrounding residents who may come to harm from a potential risk brought in?

Response

The Scottish Government does not have the information you have asked for because

1. The Scottish Government's Drugs Policy Division has not had any discussions or provided any financial agreements to Enhance Healthcare either directly or indirectly via The Corra Foundation for the purposes of this project.

2. The Scottish Government does not carry out risk assessments for residential rehabilitation facilities, as this responsibility would lie with the local authority or the service itself as part of their general assessments.

This is a formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.

However, outwith your initial request outlined above and under section 15(1) (FOISA) (Duty to provide Advice and Assistance) it may be helpful to provide some additional information regarding your concerns about the
proposed redevelopment of a care home for adults in Symington, South Ayrshire into a residential rehabilitation facility for individuals recovering from substance use.

The Scottish Government does not directly commission or operate residential rehabilitation facilities. Private providers will undertake their own processes for decision making, however services must be registered with
the relevant regulatory body such as the Care Inspectorate, Healthcare Improvement Scotland and the NHS.

Residential rehabilitation services can play a vital role in supporting people to recover from substance use. For many, access to safe and structured support is a crucial first step towards change. Having an open and supportive community can also strengthen recovery journeys. When communities embrace these services and challenge the stigma which is often directed at individuals who are taking challenging steps to recover, they can encourage people to access the support that they need and have the best chance to thrive in their communities.

Residential Rehabilitation should be available for everyone who wants it – and for whom it is considered to be clinically appropriate - at the time when they ask for it, in every part of the country.

The Prison to Rehab pathway allows individuals with problem substance use to access residential rehabilitation immediately on release from prison. It supports individuals to continue their recovery at a time
when community support and connection with others in recovery can be challenging.

The pathway provides a clear and supportive route for those who have shown a strong motivation to become substance free while in custody. It is important to note that the pathway is not intended to be used as an
alternative to custody. You can read more about the pathway here.

In terms of planning for the proposed development, responsibility for day-to-day land use planning matters rests with the relevant planning authority, in this case South Ayrshire Council, who are best placed to interpret and implement relevant planning legislation, policies and guidance as appropriate, given the circumstances in each case and to ensure that the provisions of the planning system are applied properly within their area.

Whilst the Scottish Government acknowledges your concerns regarding this matter, any decision as to whether a particular proposal requires planning permission is a matter of judgement for the relevant planning
authority. If you have concerns regarding the development, you may wish to consider contacting South Ayrshire Council, who will be able to provide you with more assistance.

I hope this additional information is helpful.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.