Launch of new addiction service at Murdostoun Castle

A NEW service is being launched near Newmains to help battle drug and alcohol addictions.

Working in partnership with the NHS, Murdostoun Castle will offer dedicated detoxification programmes at its recently refurbished facility.

The new unit will offer treatment to people with addictions to alcohol, illicit drugs and prescribed medications.

The centre is run by the Huntercombe Group but takes NHS referrals and its manager Eva McGhee said: “The new service will work closely with the NHS, social services and voluntary organisations to help people with serious addictions problems regain control of their lives.”

It will offer a total of 21 beds, 11 of which are allocated to provide detoxification treatment, with a further 10 beds provided for the alcohol-related brain damage rehabilitation programme. Clients admitted for detox will stay for between seven to 14 days, while those with alcohol-related brain damage will stay up to six months.

In addition to the detox service, a second highly-specialised rehabilitation programme is offered for people who have developed neurological problems following long-term alcohol dependency, to help them live and work towards a more independent life. Murdostoun Castle already has a service providing care for patients with brain injuries and neuro-disabilities.

Ms McGhee continued: “This will be first centre in the UK where people who have neurological problems caused by alcohol dependency can access all the specialist help they need. It is located on the same site as Murdostoun Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre, which Huntercombe also operate, which allows a very high level of clinical expertise to support these clients.

“For too long, clients with the most severe forms of alcohol dependence have not been able to access dedicated specialist care. We hope that the new service at Murdostoun Castle will improve this situation.”

Ms McGhee added: “The staff team is very excited by the opportunities this new service will provide the people of Scotland. We expect the service to be fully operational in late August, and are already in discussion with health boards, and others, about referrals. Anybody wanting information can contact us on 01698 386013.”