Addiction remains one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time—driving health inequalities, damaging families and communities, and placing significant pressure on health and care systems. Yet, recovery is possible when people are provided with the right support at the right time.

The Cheshire and Merseyside Inpatient Detoxification (IPD) Consortium, supported by MIAA Solutions and hosted by Wirral Council, has published an Impact Report, showcasing remarkable progress in supporting recovery, improving outcomes, and setting a new benchmark for collaborative, system-led commissioning.

Outstanding Results

• 82% of service users successfully completed detoxification treatment – far exceeding the national average of 47%.*
• 174 service users accessed life-changing inpatient detoxification during the year — a 20% increase year-on-year for the placements through the IPD grant pathway.
• Average waiting time: 28.49 days vs. 30-day national target.
• Average bed night cost is significantly lower than the national average.
• Drug-related deaths: stable locally, while nationally rising by 10.5%+
• Alcohol-specific deaths: down 1.1% locally vs. +4.6% nationally.

These outcomes demonstrate the power of collaboration between nine local authorities, six inpatient facilities, community teams, and commissioning leaders, all working together in a demand-led model that prioritises service user choice, equity, and rapid access.

Leadership and Innovation

At the heart of this successful partnership is MIAA Solutions, whose leadership has enabled shared governance, financial transparency, and system-wide learning.

“It was always MIAA Solutions’ vision to develop a Consortium model that embraced and supported a creative space for all our independent partners,”
said Jane Pine, Senior Programme Delivery Manager at MIAA Solutions.
“With MIAA and Wirral Council providing invaluable centralised support, our membership has been able to focus on collaboration, service delivery, and improvement.”

Among the key innovations is the North West Universal Referral Form, developed by MIAA on behalf of all North West consortia. This single referral system now streamlines access, reduces variation, and ensures service user choice across the region.

System-Level Impact

The Consortium’s data-driven approach has strengthened transparency and accountability across the treatment pathway. A bespoke, real-time, activity and spend monitoring system designed by MIAA tracks activity from referral to completion, enabling real-time insights into waiting times, bed capacity, and expenditure.

“The Consortium balances structure with flexibility, underpinned by a genuine spirit of collaboration between commissioners, providers, and MIAA. This partnership has improved access, boosted provider confidence, and re-energised community workforce morale.” 
said Gary Rickwood, Lead Commissioner for the Cheshire & Merseyside Consortium

Download the report

Looking Ahead

The Consortium is now building on its success to:

• Expand equitable access across the region
• Embed lived experience voices in planning and delivery
• Respond rapidly to emerging substance misuse trends, including ketamine
• Share the model nationally as an exemplar of effective, system-led commissioning

References

*Accredited official statistics- Adult substance misuse treatment statistics 2023 to 2024: report, Published 28 November2024

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/substance-misuse-treatment-for-adults-statistics-2023-to-2024/adult-substance-misuse-treatment-statistics-2023-to-2024-report

+Cheshire and Merseyside Inpatient Detoxification Consortium and Pathway Impact Report 2024-2025