Seán Crowe
Question:274 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children the breakdown for each health authority area of the average waiting time for drug users attempting to get on a programme. [26382/02]
Written Answers. - Drug Treatment Services.
There are 228 people waiting for methadone maintenance treatment in the Eastern Regional Health Authority Area at the end of September. The numbers awaiting treatment has decreased from 438 at the beginning of this year. Priority is given to patients presenting with HIV and to pregnant women. Clients have access to counselling services while awaiting treatment.
The following table shows waiting times for methadone treatment in the ERHA region:
|
0-3 months |
107 |
|
3-6 months |
45 |
|
6-12 months |
47 |
|
12-24 months |
18 |
|
Unknown |
11 |
Outside the eastern region the situation varies. In areas of low prevalence of drug use there is either no waiting time or a very short waiting time for receiving treatment.
In the four health boards that have drug treatment clinics the waiting time for treatment is as follows:
|
South-Eastern Health Board |
Immediate Assessment and receiving treatment, if appropriate within two weeks |
|
Western Health Board |
There is no waiting list in this Board |
|
Mid-Western Health Board |
Assessment within 3 days and appropriate treatment, if appropriate within 7-10 days |
|
Midland Health Board |
Assessment within 1 month and receiving treatment, if appropriate within 1 to 2 months |