Residential rehabilitation recommendations: SG response
The Scottish Government response to recommendations from the Future of Residential Rehabilitation Working Group (FRRWG) and Public Health Scotland (PHS) on residential rehabilitation sets out actions to improve access, quality, clinical governance and recovery support. It outlines commitments to strengthen pathways, workforce capability, evidence, monitoring and long-term recovery outcomes.
Annex A
Residential Rehabilitation Services: recommendations on clinical governance (Future of Residential Rehabilitation Working Group, March 2026)
Recommendation 1: Regulation and Governance
Residential rehabilitation providers receiving public funds should join the National Flexible Framework; publicly funded placements should be commissioned through the Framework; regulatory oversight of clinical activity should be strengthened; inspections should involve clinicians with appropriate expertise; continuous quality improvement systems should be implemented; and gaps in oversight where detoxification is delivered through primary care should be addressed.
Recommendation 2: Clinical Guidance
Develop residential rehabilitation-specific clinical guidance covering assessment, triage, detoxification planning, prescribing, monitoring, relapse prevention, harm reduction, and physical and mental health support.
Recommendation 3: Detoxification and Pathways
Expand detoxification capacity, reduce delays in admission, and establish clear pathways linking community treatment, detoxification services and residential rehabilitation.
Recommendation 4: Stabilisation Services
Commission stabilisation services aligned with individual needs and preferences; ensure robust evaluation and research; and establish clear referral pathways into residential rehabilitation and community treatment services.
Recommendation 5: Data and Reporting
Extend the Residential Rehabilitation National Dataset to include detoxification and stabilisation activity, including planning, completion rates and relapse prevention measures; ensure secure storage and appropriate sharing of clinical data.
Recommendation 6: Workforce Development
Define workforce roles and competencies; require training for staff involved in detoxification care; provide advanced training for clinicians and prescribers; and develop a national training programme.