SNP government’s cuts and lack of inspections slammed by opposition

Opposition politicians accused the SNP government of overseeing a “scandal”.

Dundee-based North East Labour MSP Jenny Marra said: “We know if people are in treatment there is a better chance of survival and stable lives. Some European countries manage to treat 80% of problem drug users, England 60%, Scotland 40%.

“With the problems identified it is highly possible treatment figures in Dundee could be significantly lower.

“The Scottish Government needs to start collecting that information so we can see if our citizens are getting the treatment they need.

“The fact there is no inspection process for drugs services is a scandal. All NHS services should be subject to inspection, not only for patient safety but to ensure good services and public money is well spent. The Scottish Government need to rectify this now.

“The commission has shown that this is a complex problem. I hope that the SNP will not resort to a power argument but will take the recommendations seriously and use the powers in their hands to improve the lives of our most vulnerable citizens and their children.”

Scottish Conservative North East MSP Bill Bowman said: “Despite its diplomatic wording, the commission’s report reveals Dundee’s drug strategy is floundering. There is a dysfunctional relationship between drugs services.

“It says Dundee Alcohol and Drug Partnership are struggling with not enough staff and a lack of leadership.

“This has happened in a period where the SNP government cut spending on such partnerships by almost £5 million.

“Meanwhile, voluntary services have been frozen out and Dundee City Council and the IJB are not pulling their weight.”

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman replied: “We will consider the recommendations for government carefully and work with partners to implement them. Each and every death from drugs is a tragedy and we are extremely concerned by the continued rise.

“We know there is no simple answer to this challenge and know more needs to be done to meet the needs of those who are most at risk from substance use.

“This is a public health issue and our national alcohol and drug strategy sets out a number of measures focused on people’s needs and their families.

“Minister for Public Health Joe FitzPatrick has also convened a national Drug Death Taskforce to advise on what further changes, either in practice or in law, could help save lives and reduce harm. A key aspect of its work will be to look at ways in which treatment services can adapt to better meet the needs of those most at risk.

“Mr FitzPatrick has already met with the chair of the commission to discuss their work and some of their earlier findings and we will continue to work together to tackle this.”