Who are Progress?
A consortium of Consultant Nurses in dual diagnosis and substance use who work in partnership with other national experts in dual diagnosis
History
At a national consultant nurse meeting in London 2002 an opportunity for nurse consultants to establish groups based on their specialisum was facilitated.
Those working in the field of; dual diagnosis, alcohol and drugs formed a discreet group.
The aim of this group, which named itself Progress, was to provide mutual support from what was perceived to be similar practice and service development agendas.
The role of consultant nurse was also fairly new and subsequently support in operating at a strategic level was needed and forthcoming.
Jood Gibbins from Dorset and Cheryl Kipping from South London and the Mausdsley were instrumental in establishing the forum and sustaining it over several years. Of late the role of chair has fallen to Dave Manley.
Current status
In 2006 Progress became involved with CSIP’s National Dual Diagnosis programme in order to.
a) Influence the National agenda.
b) Be an expert opinion.
c) Establish some financial support to facilitate progress meeting, resource promotion of the group
Since this formalised link with CSIP the group revisit it's terms of reference and agreed.
Aims
- A forum of consultant nurses (and others) that maintain regular contact with each other for the purpose of sharing expert practice and providing mutual support.
- To be an expert reference group to inform national developments in the field of dual diagnosis and drug and alcohol use in practice, policy and research.
- Protecting “Consultant Nurse” roles and development through peer support.
Achieved by
- A “virtual” network (email/instance messaging conversations).
- Hosting a website.
- Regular face to face meetings.
- Responding to National consultations.
- Lobbying.
- Collaboration on joint projects.
- Developing and disseminating new knowledge through journal articles, editorial presence.
Membership
Progress is a closed membership consisting of
- Nurse consultants in “dual diagnosis”
- Nurse consultants “substance use”
- Other national “experts in the field”
Network
PROGRESS is currently in the process of setting up a network for individuals who want to keep updated of developments in the field of dual diagnosis.
we will shortly publishise what this will look like and how to join
