This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Increased funding for drug services
24/05/2004
Above inflation rises for drug treatment projects right
across Scotland have been confirmed today, bringing support
to £19.75 million for 2004-05.
The aim of the increased funding to NHS Boards,
announced today by Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry, is
to reduce waiting times for drug treatment and provide
consistent high-quality services.
Three NHS Boards - Greater Glasgow, Grampian and Argyll
and Clyde - will receive increases of up to 50 per cent due
to the scale of their drugs problems, high injection rates
and large numbers of drug-related deaths.
Mr Henry said:
"Drugs misuse is a blight on the lives of too many
families and communities. I am determined that people who
want help with their drug problems should get the help they
need as quickly as possible. Our investment of £34 million
over the last three years has delivered new and improved
services across Scotland, but it is clear that much more
needs to be done.
"Today's announcement of almost £20 million to NHS
Boards is further evidence of our determination to support
effective, person-centred treatment for those who are
determined to free themselves from the dangers and misery
which drugs bring. Evidence shows that effective treatment
has significant health benefits for individuals, reduces
the use of illegal drugs and injecting, and reduces
criminal activity.
"Communities right across Scotland are affected by
drugs misuse. However the areas we are targeting with the
largest increases have some of the most complex problems.
The highest levels of drug misuse, injecting practices
which spread lethal viruses such as HIV and hepatitis, and
tragically high rates of drug-related deaths. I know that
there are many committed and dedicated people working in
front line services, and I want these resources to be used
to support them in their efforts to help what is often a
challenging and complex client group.
"I also want local services to work more closely
together to address the multiple problems often faced by
drug misusers. We have more chance of success if people
can get help with their family, housing and employment
problems which often are the root of their drug problems.
We also need to recognise that relapses are a hard fact of
drug addiction, and ensure that people can get immediate
help to deal with that."
The announcement of funding comes ahead of finalising
the Partnership Agreement review of drug treatment and
rehabilitation services. The scope of the review has been
widened to look at family and social issues. The financial
allocations for 2005-06 and beyond will be influenced by
the recommendations in the review, and new information on
prevalence and drug-related deaths.
These factors will also be considered as part of the
Executive's 2004 Spending Review.
Mr Henry added:
"Our drugs strategy will continue to provide a
balanced approach to the drugs problem. Through education
and prevention. Through strong enforcement to keep more
drugs off the streets. Through tough action to ensure
dealers do serious time for their crimes. Through seizing
the proceeds of drug dealers and using it for the benefit
of the communities they have fleeced. And through effective
treatment and rehabilitation services that provide fast
access, consistent quality and ongoing care for those who
wish to tackle their addictions."
Table of allocations for each NHS Board.
Argyll & Clyde - £1,988,000 - increase of 43 per
cent on 2003-04
Ayrshire & Arran - £1,037,000 - increase of 5.1
per cent
Borders - £170,000 - increase of 5.1 per cent
Dumfries & Galloway - £271,000 - increase of 5.1
per cent
Fife - £829,000 - increase of 5.1 per cent
Forth Valley - £585,000 - increase of 5.1 per cent
Grampian - £1,963,000 - increase of 49.5 per cent
Greater Glasgow - £5,488,000 - increase of 22.3 per
cent
Highland - £435,000 - increase of 5.1 per cent
Lanarkshire - £1,523,000 - increase of 5.1 per cent
Lothian - £3,719,000 - increase of 5.1 per cent
Orkney - £34,000 - increase of 5.1 per cent
Shetland - £58,000 - increase of 5.1 per cent
Tayside - £1,559,000 - increase of 5.1 per cent
Western Isles - £91,000 - increase of 5.1 per cent
Total - £19,751,000
The 2004-05 allocation to NHS Boards comes from
Health Department resources, and it represents an increase
of £2.8 million from the equivalent figure for 2003-04.
This investment is in addition to the £6.8 million
previously allocated to local authorities to support drug
rehabilitation services.