Health secretary unveils new performance targets for 2010-11

Cut in time drug addicts wait for treatment

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Drug addicts who need help should get treatment within three weeks, under new targets unveiled last night.

Starting from next year, health boards will be expected to work towards ensuring that, by March 2013, 90% of those who need treatment for a drug problem will wait no longer than 21 days.

Figures released in September showed the drug treatment services are improving but, at the end of June, 11% were still waiting more than a year.

The commitment is included in the latest health performance targets set by the Scottish Government for 2010-11.

The following year a similar target is expected to be set for specialist alcohol misuse services.

The latest targets include a commitment to deliver faster access to specialist child and adolescent mental health services.

There is currently no maximum waiting time for access to these services but, by March 2013, patients will be expected to wait no longer than 26 weeks.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: “Ensuring patients always get the best possible care is the top priority for the NHS in Scotland and targets are a valuable way to make sure this happens.”

Other targets include a commitment that at least 60% of three and four-year-olds will get fluoride teeth varnishing by March 2014, and a further 15% reduction in cases of MRSA by March, 2011, on top of the 30% reduction by next March.