PrePare is a pregnancy support service which covers Edinburgh City. It offers support to people over the age of 16 who are currently pregnant, chaotically using substances and have difficulties engaging with community services. It is based in Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre.
The service offers a flexible and outreach approach to engagement. PrePare is a multidisciplinary team comprised of a specialised midwife, a specialised health visitor, family practitioners and community mental health nurses who specialise in substance use. The team works together to give parents the opportunity to give their children the best start in life.
Advice email: cf.prepare@edinburgh.gov.uk and loth.prepareteam@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Office number: 0131 453 9208.
C.M & C.P. 22-01-24
People aged over 16 with an ongoing pregnancy – regardless of gestation – who are using substances. They do not have to be engaged with community substance use services.
Patients must be aware of the referral. However, the service can accept referrals in which the patient is unaware if several attempts have been made by the referring clinician to contact the patient without success.
Who can refer:
- All clinicians, including midwifery services, can refer, but that must be through Social Care Direct (preferred route) or email.
- Any service can refer (3rd sector, social care services, school)
- Patients can self-refer through phoning the office number – 0131 453 9208.
Who to refer:
Anyone over the age of 16, pregnant and using substances.
Who not to refer:
People who are not pregnant or chaotically using substances.
How to refer:
- Please refer through Social Care Direct or by email sent to socialcaredirect@edinburgh.gov.uk with a summary of patient details, gestation, and brief outline of the situation. This email can be securely accessed from nhs email addresses.
- Midwives refer as standard practice if patients have expressed substance use at their booking appointment.
- Patients can self-refer by phoning 0131 453 9208.
If patient presents with pregnancy and substance use, then offer referral to the PrePare service or the patient can contact us directly on the office phone number.
