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Changes in response to independent review on opioid replacements.

Changes aimed at improving the quality and range of drug treatment services across the country were announced in the Scottish Parliament yesterday.

Minister for Community Safety, Roseanna Cunningham, and Minister for Public Health, Michael Matheson, announced the changes in response to the recommendations of an independent group commissioned by the Scottish Government to gather evidence on opioid replacement therapies (ORT) for people with drug problems.

The group’s report, published in August, concluded that ORT, in particular methadone, is supported by a strong evidence base and its use should continue. However, it also concluded that ORT, where prescribed, should be one of a full range of treatment options across the country ranging from community to residential rehabilitation, and services should become more aspirational in relation to supporting individuals’ recovery.

Yesterday’s changes - announced during a Scottish Government Parliamentary debate - include:

Ms Cunningham said: “Scotland has made good progress in recent years in cutting waiting times for drug treatment, supported by record investment in these services. Around 96 per cent of people seeking help now receive this within three weeks of referral which compares sharply with 2007 when some people were waiting up to a year. We have also seen a welcome decline in drug use among the general adult population and young people.

“However, as highlighted by the expert group, more needs to be done to build on this work and ensure that we improve the quality and range of treatment and support available, particularly for our ageing group of people with drug problems who also have complex health needs. We also need to have better systems in place for monitoring how well all areas are performing in getting people into recovery and on to a life free of drugs.

“I hope that through the changes set out today – some of which are already underway – people with drug problems and their families will notice real improvements in their future treatment and care, and that centrally we will be better placed to monitor how well people are progressing. While methadone, as recommended by the group, will continue to be used to support recovery, it is vital that people in every area have access to a full range of high quality treatment and that regular reviews take place to ensure that they are on the right path.”

Mr Matheson said: “The Scottish Government greatly values the in-depth work undertaken by the expert group to help us improve drug treatment services. The changes we are announcing in response to that report are designed to ensure that people who are needing help can not only continue to access treatment quickly but can also access a much wider range of treatment options, based on their individually assessed needs.

“Through our plans to host an annual event for health professionals working in this field, our proposals for the appointment of a locally accountable officer for ORT and through the improvements to care provided by pharmacists, we are also aiming to improve the overall quality of care offered to all those who are determined to turn their lives around and lead a life free of drugs.”

Notes to editors

The Scottish Drugs Strategy Delivery Commission, chaired by Dr Brian Kidd, was asked by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Harry Burns, to review current evidence on the use of methadone and other opioid replacements, and make recommendations aimed at ensuring that where ORT is used, it is being used as effectively as possible. It also looked at access to other treatments. The group’s report and associated news release, are available from: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/deliveringrecovery

http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Expert-group-on-opioid-replacements-33c.aspx