Written Question · S4W-02425 · Session 4
Whether it will consider introducing a specific health improvement (HEAT) target to reduce drug-related deaths.
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider introducing a specific health improvement (HEAT) target to reduce drug-related deaths.
The answer
Health Improvement Efficiency Access Treatment (HEAT) targets reflect the agreed areas for specific accelerated improvement each year, contributing to progress towards delivery of the Scottish Government’s outcomes.
Specifically in relation to drug-related deaths, the Scottish Government is not of the view that this would be an appropriate performance measure. We are clear that drug-related deaths are too high in Scotland but the breakdown of deaths at health board level would be too small, for many of Scotland’s health boards, to provide a meaningful performance measure.
However, the existing HEAT target to ensure that 90 per cent of clients will wait no longer than three weeks from referral received to appropriate drug or alcohol treatment by March 2013 aims to support recovery and is an essential measure in reducing the risk of drug-related deaths. There are also a number of HEAT targets which similarly have had, and will have, an impact on tackling drug related deaths such as targets on: psychiatric readmissions and suicide prevention as well as waiting times for child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) and psychological therapies.
We also work very closely with the National Forum on Drug-Related Deaths (NFDRD) and have made (and continue to make) significant investment in the Drug-Related Deaths database (DRD). This database, developed and reviewed in collaboration with the NFDRD, provides important quantitative and qualitative information about each and every drug-related death in Scotland. This context help us to develop the offer of treatment, care and recovery services nationally and locally, and to plan important critical interventions.
An example of the latter is the Naloxone programme, unique to Scotland, currently being rolled out nationally. This programme will undergo thorough review to assess its impact on drug-related deaths across Scotland over the next few years.
Specifically in relation to drug-related deaths, the Scottish Government is not of the view that this would be an appropriate performance measure. We are clear that drug-related deaths are too high in Scotland but the breakdown of deaths at health board level would be too small, for many of Scotland’s health boards, to provide a meaningful performance measure.
However, the existing HEAT target to ensure that 90 per cent of clients will wait no longer than three weeks from referral received to appropriate drug or alcohol treatment by March 2013 aims to support recovery and is an essential measure in reducing the risk of drug-related deaths. There are also a number of HEAT targets which similarly have had, and will have, an impact on tackling drug related deaths such as targets on: psychiatric readmissions and suicide prevention as well as waiting times for child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) and psychological therapies.
We also work very closely with the National Forum on Drug-Related Deaths (NFDRD) and have made (and continue to make) significant investment in the Drug-Related Deaths database (DRD). This database, developed and reviewed in collaboration with the NFDRD, provides important quantitative and qualitative information about each and every drug-related death in Scotland. This context help us to develop the offer of treatment, care and recovery services nationally and locally, and to plan important critical interventions.
An example of the latter is the Naloxone programme, unique to Scotland, currently being rolled out nationally. This programme will undergo thorough review to assess its impact on drug-related deaths across Scotland over the next few years.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S4W-02425 by reference.