This quality standard covers the assessment, management and care provided for people aged 14 and over who have coexisting severe mental illness and substance misuse. It describes high-quality care in priority areas for improvement. 

Quality statements:

Statement 1 People aged 14 and over with suspected or confirmed severe mental illness are asked about their use of alcohol and drugs.

Statement 2 People aged 14 and over are not excluded from mental health services because of coexisting substance misuse or from substance misuse services because of coexisting severe mental illness.

Statement 3 People aged 14 and over with coexisting severe mental illness and substance misuse have a care coordinator working in mental health services when they are identified as needing treatment from secondary care mental health services.

Statement 4 People aged 14 and over with coexisting severe mental illness and substance misuse are followed up if they miss any appointment.

NICE has developed guidance and a quality standard on service user experience in adult mental health services (see the NICE Pathway on service user experience in adult mental health services) which should be considered alongside these quality statements.