Alcohol help services shake-up slammed

An ex-alcoholic has criticised proposals for the future of alcohol misuse services over the next three years.
The Eastbourne resident, who did not want to be named, fears not enough cash will be available for the changes, which could see patients referred to more specialist help.

He also accused chiefs at East Sussex Downs and Weald Primary Care Trust (PCT) of not consulting with sufferers over their proposed changes under its strategy for 2008 up to 2011.

He said, "They (bosses) say they will provide more control, choice, and a stronger voice for individuals.

"But the lack of publicity and public involvement in the process seems to cast doubt on that statement.

"What consultation with service users has there been and how has this been publicised? Access to specialised intervention services will be through a specialist worker attached to each GP, or initial screening will be carried out by workers in other services such as social services. The level of alcohol abuse will also be assessed ranging from hazardous, harmful to moderate or severe dependency.

"As a former alcohol abuser I would not have given these personal details to any of those organisations except perhaps the GP. I would consider it none of their business and most drinkers are secretive by nature anyway so how will confidentiality be protected? Many would not welcome their 'problem' being on official records.

"A provision exists to enable people to self-refer and obtain specialised counselling but it is not clear whether this will be available in the future.

"Will Open Access clinics still be available in Eastbourne and other towns in the Wealden area and will sufficient funding be available to support these organisations and improve on the current waiting times which currently prove a problem?"

Jason Mahoney, joint commissioning manager for alcohol misuse at the PCT, said, "As many as one in five of us drink too much alcohol.

"Alcohol is easy to buy, and alcohol problems are often hidden.

"The Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) is the multi-agency strategic partnership responsible for delivering national drug and alcohol strategy objectives in East Sussex.

"The partnership published its alcohol harm reduction strategy in April 2006 and since then the partnership has maintained a dialogue with service users, providers and other stakeholders to ensure that local priorities inform the development of local services. The new strategy describes how the DAAT intends to develop alcohol treatment services between 2008 and 2011 for local people.

"Consultation events in July were publicised through the network of organisations involved in the DAAT and service users were involved in those events. Service users were involved in the recent Safer Communities consultation event in Eastbourne, and have joined meetings hosted by Action for Change in Hastings and Eastbourne.

"Some people will feel comfortable accessing the the help that the strategy describes, others will want to attend AA groups or will find other ways to change their alcohol use.

"In Eastbourne, an AA group meets five days every week, and all that is required to attend is a desire to stop drinking.

"Many people who recognise their drinking is becoming a problem change their behaviour without seeking specialist help.

"The strategy describes how different professional groups who aren't alcohol 'specialists' will be trained to provide guidance and advice about alcohol.

"When people access these services their confidentiality will be protected in the same way it is now. It's important to encourage a range of options as there isn't one particular approach that works for everyone."

Lewes Today