South Lanarkshire Recovery Oriented Justice Service (ROJS) triumphed at Scotland’s Health Awards 2024, taking home the Integrated Care Award.

This prestigious accolade is a well-deserved honour for their exemplary approach in addressing profound challenges associated with substance use through an innovative integration of public health, social work, recovery groups, justice services and families.

Gillian Booth, Justice Service Manager, said “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this national award. It reflects the hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit of our entire team.

“South Lanarkshire's Recovery Oriented Justice Service innovatively integrates public health, social and justice approaches with the communities, families and individuals affected.

“This joined-up approach has made a profound impact and we are delighted to receive this recognition for all the hard work and dedication of our team.”

ROJS, in partnership with Hamilton Sheriff Court's Pan Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Problem Solving Court, has launched Scotland's first dual alcohol and drug problem solving court to address substance use related offending. This initiative shifts from punitive measures to a supportive system, offering structured deferred sentences with 6-9 months of intensive intervention.

A multi-disciplinary team, including social workers, health care professionals and support workers with lived experience, provide immediate support, addressing substance use alongside broader social and personal needs. South Lanarkshire justice social work services work in partnership with SACRO and South Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership commissioned services including Turning Point and My Support Day.

The programme has shown success to date with, with 85% of participants accessing employment and health opportunities, and 90% of participants staying within treatment and completing their support period. Long-term goals include supporting the reduction of drug-related deaths, preventing further criminalisation, and integrating public health strategies into justice services.

Councillor Margaret Walker, Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Social Work Resources Committee, said: “I am extremely proud of our award-winning team and indeed all of the work of our Justice Social Work Services. This national recognition is testament to all the great work and dedication of our staff who continue to provide an outstanding service to our local communities.”

Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer of South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) added: “I am delighted that our innovative Recovery Oriented Justice Service have been recognised with this prestigious national award.

“This achievement recognises their commitment, compassion, and dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities every day.

“Our award winner, along with all the Lanarkshire-wide finalists, clearly demonstrate the outstanding level of commitment, care and compassion of our staff.

“It is a privilege to work with staff who demonstrate this level of commitment no matter the challenge. I extend my sincere thanks to them, as well as all our teams and services, who continue to work extremely hard for the people of Lanarkshire.”

Professor Jann Gardner, Chief Executive of NHS Lanarkshire said: “We are thrilled for the South Lanarkshire Recovery Oriented Justice Service and all of our finalists, who have done Lanarkshire proud through their hard work, compassion, and commitment to patient care.

“Each one of these incredible individuals and teams goes above and beyond daily, offering not just exceptional medical support but also genuine kindness and understanding to those in their care.

“Their recognition at the Scottish Health Awards is a powerful affirmation of the extraordinary work they do. I am privileged to work alongside such dedicated people who are a true inspiration to us all.”

The Scottish Health Awards celebrate the exemplary contributions of healthcare professionals across Scotland, shining a light on those who make an exceptional impact in their communities.

NHS Lanarkshire is proud to celebrate all our exceptional finalists at the Scottish Health Awards 2024. This year, several outstanding teams and individuals from Lanarkshire were recognised for their dedication and contributions, representing our region admirably on a national stage. The Lanarkshire finalists were:

Innovation Award:

Brian Slattery and the Physiotherapy MSK Redesign Team

Tissue Viability Team

University Hospital Monklands Urology Team

Integrated Care Award:

South Lanarkshire Recovery Oriented Justice Service

Care for Mental Health Award:

Family Support Hubs

Doctor Award:

Claire Steel, Consultant in Geriatric Medicine, University Hospital Monklands

Dr Claire Sinclair, Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, CAMHS

Dr Daniel McGowan, Doctor, Out of Hours Service

Global Citizenship Award:

Dr Nicholas Riches, Public Health Specialty Registrar, Public Health

For more details about the Scottish Health Awards, visit https://www.nationalworldevents.com/sha-2024/