Pubdate: Fri, 23 Mar 2001
Source: Oldham Evening Chronicle (UK)
Copyright: Oldham Evening Chronicle 2001
Contact:  P. O. Box 47, Oldham, Lancashire, England  OL1 1EQ
Fax: 0161-652 2111
Website: http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/

ADDICTS NEED MORE SUPPORT

Substance misusers in Oldham are being let down by the system because they 
cannot get a quick appointment to see a counsellor, according to a local GP.

Dr Paul Callow, a PCG board member, said that his patients had to wait so 
long after asking for help, they were getting deeper in to trouble.

"By the time they get to see a counsellor they have re-offended, and they 
are only re-offending to get their next fix", he said.

Dr Callow spoke out after hearing that plans to create a specialist mental 
health trust for Oldham, Tameside, Rochdale and Bury were open to 
consultation - and that one of the trusts responsibilities could be 
substance misuse.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens