Sir Liam says the number of drug-related deaths remains high
|
The number of drug-related deaths in Brighton and Hove remains high despite a huge amount of work to combat the problem, a new report says.
In 2002 there were 33 drug deaths compared with 34 the previous year.
Efforts to cut the numbers included providing treatment for 506 people in 2003/4, an increase of 12%, said Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson.
"I am confident next year will show a significant drop in deaths," said Regional Heath Director Dr Mike Gill.
Ambulance protocol
Sir Liam pointed out the problem of high drug-related deaths in Brighton and Hove in his annual report last year.
He says other work to combat the problem includes introducing a new ambulance protocol, a new hospital triage system to ensure drug users are routed to appropriate treatment as quickly as possible and continued overdose training with drug users in the area.
The report also highlights the shortage of NHS dentists taking on new patients across the South East.
One-Minute World News
News services
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
