Public Health Scotland has released a comprehensive report detailing the waiting times for accessing specialist drug and alcohol treatment services from 1 April 2024 to 30 June 2024. This data offers valuable insights into the accessibility and efficiency of Scotland’s healthcare system in addressing substance-related challenges.

Background on the Scottish Government’s Standard

In 2011, the Scottish Government established a Standard aiming for 90% of individuals referred for assistance with problematic drug or alcohol use to begin specialist treatment within three weeks. This objective underscores a commitment to timely intervention and support for those affected by substance issues.

Current Statistics and Findings

During the reported quarter, there were 10,688 referrals to community-based specialist drug and alcohol services. A breakdown of these figures shows that 50.8% were related to alcohol, 35.3% to drugs, and 13.9% to co-dependency. Encouragingly, 93.2% of the 7,361 referrals that commenced treatment did so within the three-week target.

However, not all NHS Boards met the Standard, with Tayside, Highland, and Lothian falling slightly short at 89.6%, 87.2%, and 86.8% respectively. Nationally, the Standard was met for all substances, indicating overall progress in meeting treatment targets.

Challenges in Data Collection

The report also notes exclusions from the data, such as the Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands Alcohol and Drug Partnerships, due to incomplete compliance sign-offs. This highlights ongoing challenges in data collection and consistency across regions, impacting the ability to present a complete national picture.

Prison-Based Service Access

Referral figures for prison-based services show that of the 1,113 referrals, 80% were for drug-related issues. Impressively, 95% of those who commenced treatment did so within three weeks, demonstrating a strong performance in meeting the Standard in a prison setting.

Outstanding Referrals and Waiting Times

As of 30 June 2024, 2,142 referrals to community-based services had not yet started treatment, with 14.3% of these involving waits longer than three weeks. For prison-based services, 40 referrals remained unaddressed, with a significant 40% waiting over three weeks.

While the data exhibits significant strides in meeting the Scottish Government’s Standard for treatment waiting times, there remain areas needing attention, particularly in certain NHS Boards and in ensuring comprehensive data collection. The ongoing commitment to improving access and reducing waiting times is crucial in tackling the substance use challenges faced across Scotland.

Source: Public Health Scotland