The Cheshire and Merseyside Inpatient Detoxification (IPD) Consortium, supported by MIAA Solutions and hosted by Wirral Council has reported its strongest year of performance to date, with record treatment outcomes, reduced waiting times with rising demand, according to its newly published Impact Report.
The regional partnership which brings together nine local authorities, six detox units, community drug and alcohol teams supports people requiring medically managed inpatient detoxification.
The report highlights significant progress at a time when drug‑related harm across England continues to rise.
Treatment success far exceeds national picture
The Consortium achieved an 82% successful completion rate for detoxification placements – vastly outperforming the 47% national average. Leaders attribute this to:
- A demand‑led commissioning model offering choice across multiple facilities
- Faster access, with average waits of 28.49 days, beating the 30‑day national target
- A strong multi‑agency approach that allows complex cases to be rapidly escalated into care
Directors of Public Health across the subregion praised the collaborative model for “bringing to life what can be achieved when services work together rather than in competition.”
Demand rising and pathways expanding
In 2024–25, 174 people accessed detoxification through the Consortium – a 20% rise on the previous year.
Several councils, including Knowsley, piloted topping up national grants with local funds, enabling more people to receive treatment. This model will expand further in 2025–26 as more local authorities adopt the approach.
Local death rates stabilise against national rise
While England recorded a 10.5% increase in drug‑related deaths and a 4.6% rise in alcohol‑specific deaths, Cheshire and Merseyside drug deaths remained stable and alcohol‑specific deaths fell by 1.1%.
The report suggests that the subregion’s collaborative system including the IPD pathway may be contributing to improved population outcomes.
“A Lifeline” for people seeking recovery
The report concludes that the Consortium has become “more than a service – it is a lifeline”, offering hope and safety to people who often cannot recover without stepping away from chaotic environments.
Its demand‑led, collaborative model is now being positioned as a national exemplar for commissioning inpatient detoxification services.
At the heart of the successful partnership is MIAA Solutions, whose leadership has enabled shared governance, financial transparency, and system-wide learning.
Gary Rickwood, Lead Commissioner for the Cheshire & Merseyside Consortium, said:
“The Consortium’s data-driven approach has strengthened transparency and accountability across the treatment pathway.
“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.”
