Fife among health boards missing alcohol treatment time target, figures show

The Scottish Government standard is for 90% of people referred to wait no longer than three weeks for specialist treatment

There were 7,949 referrals between July and the end of September
Author: Kieran BrandPublished 19th Dec 2023

Five of Scotland's 13 health boards did not meet the waiting times standard for drug and alcohol treatments.

The Scottish Government standard is for 90% of people referred for help with alcohol or drug use to wait no longer than three weeks for specialist treatment.

Between July and the end of September, there were 7,949 referrals, with 92.3% waiting three weeks or less.

However, performance was below expected standards in Lanarkshire, Lothian, Forth Valley, Fife and Western Isles health boards.

The data from Public Health Scotland also showed there were 802 referrals for prison-based services over the period, including 666 for drug use.

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whitham said: "We're determined to do all we can to reduce drug and alcohol-related harm and are working closely with alcohol and drug partnerships and the third sector.

"Last year, £106 million was made available to alcohol and drugs partnerships to support local and national initiatives to improve treatment.

"I'm pleased that the drug and alcohol treatment waiting times standard continues to be met nationally, with the majority of boards meeting or exceeding it.

"We will continue to engage with the ADPs that did not achieve the target for treatment waiting times to drive performance improvements."

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