16 Aug 2019
The Dundee Drugs Commission report published today shows the need for more cross-sector working to better support addicts and their families.
It highlights the issues in the current fractured system, and recommends the development of a ‘whole systems’ model of care.
The Scottish Conservatives have welcomed the report, with many of the findings being mirrored in their ‘Addiction Strategy: Life Plan’, which was published last year and aims to halve the number of drug deaths in Scotland over the next five years.
They said that the SNP Government must now react to these findings and engage with opposition parties to develop a new approach to the drug death emergency in Scotland.
Scottish Conservative shadow health secretary Miles Briggs MSP said:
“I welcome the Dundee Drugs Commission report and hope this will form an important contribution to the new national approach to develop real solutions to the drugs deaths crisis.
“The findings clearly point towards the need to develop cross-sector working to help support addicts and their families, with significant concerns being expressed over the fractured system of treatment and support.
“This system of services and often ‘Cinderella’ approach to funding for drug and addiction services across Scotland is something SNP Ministers have been consistently challenged on.
“I have spent the summer listening to those at the front line of drug and addiction services in order to develop the new cross-portfolio approach that is needed to turn this national public health emergency around.
“It’s now time the SNP did the same, and they need to take action on the recommendations contained within this report.
“SNP Ministers must constructively engage with opposition MSPs to take forward a new approach to the provision of NHS and third sector rehabilitation and support services.”
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