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Drug users in Kirklees have access to excellent treatment services, according to a new report.
Kirklees is the only area in Yorkshire and the Humber and one of 22 local drugs partnerships from 149 in England, to receive the top grade accolade.
The findings are published by the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse and the Healthcare Commission.
They have reviewed how well local areas are meeting the needs of diverse communities, and people who require inpatient or residential treatment.
Drug treatment is commissioned by 149 local drugs partnerships that comprise local authorities, primary care trusts, the police and the probation service. The lead agency locally is NHS Kirklees.
Carol McKenna, Executive Director of Commissioning and Strategic Development, said: “NHS Kirklees has invested heavily in drug services over the last three years. We have recruited more doctors, more nurses and more drug workers, and we are starting to see the benefits.
“People are staying in treatment for longer, are getting healthier and getting back into work and out of crime. This benefits the individual, their family and all our communities across Kirklees.”
Cllr Andrew Marchington, Chair of Kirklees Safer Stronger Communities Partnership, said: “The council and partner agencies are committed to tackling drugs misuse, which can devastate communities and fuel crime and anti-social behaviour. We are delighted with the result of this national review and congratulate all our partners on this success.”
The Improving Services For Substance Misuse report, published on January 29th, looked at gender, race, religion, age, sexuality and disability, and whether treatment meets the diverse needs of people appropriately and effectively.
It also examined inpatient detoxification and residential rehabilitation for those with the most severe drugs problems.
This often involves short hospital based treatment for withdrawal from drugs and then community services supporting users to live drug free lives, focussing on healthy activities, education, employment and life skills.
Kirklees was rated as ‘excellent’ on both diversity, and inpatient and residential rehabilitation provision. The four grades that areas were measured against were ‘weak’, ‘fair’, ‘good’ and ‘excellent’.
Tony Cooke, Assistant Director, Commissioning and Strategic Development, Drugs, Alcohol, Community Safety, NHS Kirklees, said: “More people are getting treatment and successfully completing it. Waiting times have dropped and drug users are rebuilding their lives and reintegrating into society.
“This ranking is excellent recognition of the work that all partner agencies are doing to tackle and reduce substance misuse in Kirklees, and reflects the investment that has been put into these services.”
Lifeline Kirklees is the main provider of substance misuse treatment locally, with offices in Dewsbury and Huddersfield. Services are available to anyone across Kirklees affected by drug use, and their families. Provision goes beyond treatment, supporting people back into jobs and healthier lifestyles.
Bridget Hughes, Manager, added: "Lifeline Kirklees staff and volunteers are very dedicated and committed. They work extremely hard to provide top quality services that meet the needs of drug and alcohol users, and their families and communities.
“This excellent result shows what can be achieved when the NHS, the council, the voluntary sector, and other partner agencies, all work together to tackle the problem of substance use and crime."
Lifeline Kirklees (24 hour hotline). Telephone: 01484 353333.
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