FROM BAD TO WORSE
Waiting time crisis for drug and alcohol patients
West Lothian patients are waiting longer than any others in Scotland for drug and alcohol treatment.
Since we first reported on the issue in October 2018, the waiting lists have steadily increased to the point that the latest figures reveal West Lothian patients are waiting for double the national average waiting times. Staffing levels at NHS Lothian have been blamed for the delays.
In Scotland, of the 2940 people referred for drug and alcohol treatment, 81 per cent are seen within the first three weeks. In West Lothian, of the 138 people referred to West Lothian Alcohol and Drug Partnership, only 38.9 per cent were seen within three weeks.
West Lothian’s 38.9 per cent is the lowest number nationally with East Lothian next
at 49 per cent and Renfrewshire third lowest with 60.8 per cent of referrals being seen within three weeks.
MSP Miles Briggs sent a letter to the Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, MSP Joe FitzPatrick, who has the responsibility of meeting the drug and alcohol waiting times.
The Courier has a copy of this letter and FitzPatrick blames the “capacity challenges due to staffing levels” and continues by saying “they have an improvement plan in place and have recruited staff” to try and combat the waiting times.
MSP Neil Findlay said: “These figures come as no surprise to me. I know from speaking to many constituents that people who are desperate for help for their drug and alcohol use are waiting far too long for the help they need.
“Two years ago in the midst of a drugs death crisis the SNP Government cut the funding to drug and alcohol projects. I complained bitterly at the time – now we are seeing the tragic consequences of those cuts.
“If we combine this with waits of up to 10 months to see a psychologist, then it is clear to everyone that these support services are unable to provide the help that is needed.
“The Scottish Government has declared a drugs deaths crisis – it now has to deliver the funds and support to local projects. ”
Miles Briggs MSP said: “It is good that SNP Ministers have implemented an improvement plan for Alcohol and Drug Partnerships in Lothian, but the lack of progress is concerning.
“Patients in West Lothian are still having to wait significantly longer than anywhere else in Scotland, despite the improvement plan being in place since last year.
“If patient waiting times in West Lothian are going to improve, it is crucial there are enough staff for the Alcohol and Drug Partnership to function properly.
“SNP Mi n i s t e r s must ensure there is appropriate workforce planning so that ADPs in Lothian reduce waiting times on a sustainable basis.”
Angela Constance MSP said: “Fewer young people are using drugs and alcohol which is positive but there are still too many people living with an addiction.
“We know that those who have a problem with alcohol or drugs also carry other burdens such as mental health problems, childhood trauma and poverty. Therefore it’s imperative they receive the right treatment at the right time and the additional £ 20million a year from the Scottish Government will improve recovery services.”
Katie Dee, deputy director of Public Health and Health Policy, NHS Lothian, said: “Our current waiting time figures for June this year show that we are seeing over 92 per cent of patients within the three weeks, which is above the national target.”