William Eichler 25 May 2017

Heroin-related deaths double after councils take on addiction services

Deaths involving heroin have more than doubled since addiction services were transferred from NHS control to local authorities in 2012, addiction expert writes.

Citing ONS statistics, Colin Drummond, professor of addictions psychiatry at King’s College London, said that deaths from heroin and/or morphine are now at the ‘highest level on record’ with 1,201 recorded in 2015 — more than double the 2012 figure of 579.

Professor Drummond, writing in the BMJ, said Sustainability and Transformation Plans must ensure a return to joint addiction service commissioning between the NHS and local authorities.

He also said there must be at least 60 addictions psychiatrist training posts in England, and there must be an end to cuts to council budgets for these services.

‘Cuts at a local level make savings—but what is the real cost? Our previously well functioning treatment system has been downgraded by a short term strategy to save money,’ writes Professor Drummond.

‘This is a false economy. If we want to tackle the rise in drugs related deaths, there must be at least 60 addiction psychiatry training posts in England and there must be no further cuts to addiction services by local authorities.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Project Support Officers

Durham County Council
Grade 10 £38,220 - £41,771
Two exciting Project Support Officer – SEND opportunities have arisen within our Home to School Transport team. One role is permanent and the other a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Cleaner

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Cleaner Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata 12.5 hours per week, whole time Permanent Required as soon as possible The children, staff, and governors of Chester Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£37,101 - £45,352
Class Teacher  M3-M6 £37,101 - £45,352 Full Time, Whole Time Temporary – required to cover maternity leave from Monday 5th January 2026 until the date Newton Aycliffe
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisor

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Supervisor Grade 1  £24,796 pro rata 6.25 hours per week, term time only Permanent Required as soon as possible  The Governors of St Oswald Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisor

Durham County Council
£24,796 part-time pro-rata
Lunchtime Supervisor Grade 1 £24,796 part-time pro-rata 6.25 hours per week, term time only Permanent Required from Monday 10th November (or as close Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner