Never reported by ‘Scotland’s media’ – 97% of drug abusers referred to NHS Scotland begin treatment within three weeks and every part of Scotland hits or betters the 90% target

From Public Health Scotland today:

9,429 referrals were made to community-based specialist drug and alcohol treatment services: 4,727 (50.1%) were for problematic use of alcohol, 3,397 (36.0%) for problematic use of drugs, and 1,305 (13.8%) for co-dependency (use of both alcohol and drugs).

Nationally, the Standard was met for referrals to community-based services across all substances: drugs (96.9%), co-dependency (96.3%) and alcohol (94.4%).

In 2011, the Scottish Government set a Standard that 90% of people referred for help with problematic drug or alcohol use will wait no longer than three weeks for specialist treatment that supports their recovery.

58% began treatment in just one week.

Is this just a recent thing? No, for nearly four years, target beating but completely ignored by media because it makes the SNP Government look too good:

Source: https://www.publichealthscotland.scot/publications/national-drug-and-alcohol-treatment-waiting-times/national-drug-and-alcohol-treatment-waiting-times-1-october-2024-to-31-december-2024/

How has BBC Scotland covered this?

Scotland’s addiction services have failed to achieve key targets that were set to reduce drug deaths, according to a new report. Nearly 60% of services did not give addicts the option to start treatment the same day they turned up. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-61908508

The Scottish government must come up with a clearer spending plan for its “complex” drug and alcohol services, a watchdog has said. A report by Audit Scotland, external has urged ministers to provide more transparency on initiatives aimed at tackling the problems. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-60650944

Audit Scotland and BBC Scotland – sigh.

5 thoughts on “Never reported by ‘Scotland’s media’ – 97% of drug abusers referred to NHS Scotland begin treatment within three weeks and every part of Scotland hits or betters the 90% target”

  1. Scottish Gov funding proper, total abstinence rehab facilities £250 million over five years. More rehab facilities are now available. People can get rehab facilities. No private. Public. NA + AA help people get well. Give help.

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  2. Community based services. Unionist councils have people on methadone for years. Just as bad as heroin. Instead of total abstinence rehab facilities. SNHS refer people to proper rehab facilities. More are opening. Scottish Gov funded.

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  3. Pingback: 98% target-busting by NHS Scotland – IVF, drug and alcohol treatment and now planned operations – but all ignored by the media – Talking-up Scotland
  4. Pingback: The deep irony of BBC Scotland talking about ‘hidden’ waiting lists when they routinely hide target-beating and lists much shorter than elsewhere in the UK – Talking-up Scotland
  5. Pingback: Lisa Summers asks ‘How does Starmer’s NHS plan compare to Scotland?’ before completely ignoring the facts – Talking-up Scotland [Collective]

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