Continuation of treatment of drug misusers between primary and secondary care in the South West

Focal points □ This study established the extent to which hospitals in the South West region have guidelines or protocols in place to ensure that continuation of care is provided to drug misusers □ An internet‐based questionnaire, using open and closed questions, was designed to explore the issue of continuous care policies for drug misusers within secondary care □ Formalised hospital‐wide policies, guidelines or protocols on continuous care for drug misusers were found to be lacking within the South West; however, several measures taken at ward level or on an individual case basis ensured continuation of care □ Regional‐wide guidelines within the South West to promote the continuous care of drug misusers when they are taken into and discharged from hospital need to be developed in liaison with primary care service providers.