Residential Rehabilitation Services: recommendations on clinical governance
This report summarises the findings and recommendations of the Future of Residential Rehabilitation Working Group on the improvement of clinical governance of Residential Rehabilitation Services in Scotland
Executive Summary
Residential Rehabilitation (RR) services in Scotland operate across diverse settings under varying regulatory frameworks. Evidence gathered by the Clinical Governance Subgroup highlights significant governance gaps, particularly in relation to detoxification, clinical oversight, and assurance mechanisms. These gaps pose potential risks to service users and potentially undermine public confidence in the safety and quality of care.
This report sets out recommendations to strengthen clinical governance, improve regulatory alignment, and ensure safe, effective, and person-centred care in RR services and in similar residential services such as those offering detox and stabilisation/crisis care. Key priorities include: closing regulatory blind spots; developing specific clinical guidance for RR settings; expanding detoxification and stabilisation capacity; improving workforce competence and training; enhancing harm reduction measures; and establishing robust data collection and reporting systems.