Drug patient treatments meet target

THE vast majority of people with drug and alcohol problems are now starting treatment within three weeks, ministers have said.

Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs Roseanna Cunningham said 90 per cent of cases were being seen within that timeframe.

Speaking at Edenhall Hospital in Musselburgh yesterday, she said: “It is this government’s firm belief that recovery from serious drug addiction is possible and we are doing all we can to make that a reality across Scotland.

“In 2007 we inherited waiting times of over a year and have turned that into a maximum three-week wait, nine months ahead of our target.

“Today’s figures are a tribute to the work done every day by the team here at Edenhall hospital, and all across Scotland – by alcohol and drugs partnerships, health boards, charitable organisations, volunteers, 
families, and many others.”