Lothian drug treatment of offenders is under threat

THE treatment of drug addicts in the criminal system is under threat after NHS Lothian gave notice to withdraw their nursing and medical services from a court-sanctioned programme.

No new offenders are being placed on the Drug Treatment and Testing Order (DTTO) programme after the health board’s decision threw the system into chaos.

And a senior solicitor warned if the situation isn’t resolved quickly it could lead to more offending in the area.

“The danger is if these addicts are denied access to this treatment and testing programme to wean them off drugs then they will continue to offend to feed their habits,” they said.

“Sheriffs have already had to defer sentence on criminals who have been identified as ideal candidates for the programme because no one knows what is happening. They can’t defer sentence indefinitely and many will simply end up being jailed without treatment for their addictions, which won’t help public safety in the long run.”

Last week at Livingston Sheriff Court a sheriff described the situation as “unsatisfactory” after he had to defer sentence on an offender who had stolen and tried to con people out of money to feed his habit.

Sheriff Donald Muirhead said: “It is quite extraordinary that the health board are now refusing to provide nursing and testing facilities for the DTTO and therefore the system simply stops working.”

The DTTO programme, which provides addicts with methadone to kick their habit, has been running in West Lothian for five years and is delivered by the council’s Criminal Justice Social Work Service. Addicts who persistently commit crimes to feed their habit can be placed on the programme by a sheriff with the aim of helping them off drugs and reducing their offending.

The council receive nearly £300,000 a year from the Scottish Government which they use to pay the health board for prescribing and nursing support.

But NHS Lothian, whose contract to provide the nursing service expires at the end of the month, have told the council they will no longer provide the service in the future.

However, Dr Fiona Watson, clinical lead for addictions, NHS Lothian, said they were trying to help the council make alternative arrangements.

She said: “We will continue to provide specialised care and treatment to current patients, while we work with our partners to see how we can support this service in the future.”

Livingston MSP Angela Constance said she would be keeping a close eye on developments.

The SNP politician said: “I am making urgent enquiries with the council, NHS Lothian and the Scottish Government.

“Drug treatment is essential to the work that is done with offenders with a view to making communities safer. It is concerning as it is not in the interests of public safety if someone is suitable for the programme and is denied access to it.”

A West Lothian Council spokesman said they had no plans to end the scheme.

He said: “Up until recently, the Criminal Justice Social Work Service funded NHS Lothian to provide prescribing and nursing support to offenders on the programme, however NHS Lothian have recently intimated that they no longer wish to provide this service. Until the Criminal Justice Social Work Service can guarantee such ongoing support, there will be a temporary restriction on access for new referrals.

“Existing clients will continue to be supported.

“The DTTOs Programme in West Lothian has a positive relationship with sentencing authorities and is seen as making a positive contribution to reducing serious drug-related offending.

“Prescribing and nursing support elements of the DTTOs in West Lothian are being redesigned to ensure future delivery.”