Online directory for drug services goes live
27 Jun 07
Community and residential services listed as figures reveal wait for treatment
The Scottish government has launched a new online directory to help drug users and their families get the treatment they need.
The directory (http://www.scottishdrugservices.com/sdd/homepage.htm) contains details of more than 220 community based and residential services offering drug treatment services throughout Scotland.
Fergus Ewing, the Minister for Community Safety, said: "We want to ensure that people affected by drugs get the help they need when they need it by improving access to effective treatment and increasing the choice of services available.
"That is why we have launched this national directory of drug services - a suggestion from the Conservative Party, developed by the previous administration and now made a reality by this government. A tangible example of what can be achieved by working together."
According to NHS figures released yesterday, more than 400 drug-dependent people across Scotland have waited over a year for an initial assessment, with 40% of them then waiting another year for actual treatment.
An Executive spokesperson pointed out that the figures also showed that in the first three months of this year, 65% of addicts were offered an appointment for assessment within 14 days.
The new directory will be maintained by the Scottish Drugs Forum.