Addiction Support Waiting Times
Excessively long waiting times and delays in accessing addiction support and residential rehabilitation placements.
190 items
10 sources
Strongest theme matches
Mixed across source types and ranked by classifier confidence plus text match strength.
Committee recommendation
78match
#6 - Increase funding to radically reduce autism assessment waiting times backlog.
Too many people are waiting far too long to get their autism assessment and the backlog is getting worse. It is clear that current efforts to address the waiting list backlog are inadequate and that the additional funding that has been allocated is far short of what is required. The Government needs to radically increase the funding allocated...
Matched on
terms: time, waiting
PFD report
77match
Daniel France
A vulnerable young person known to the County Council and Mental Health Trust did not receive timely support, facing a long wait for psychological therapy, potentially dangerous given the risk of impulsive acts; there were also considerable delays in obtaining appointments for the Gender Identity Clinic and a shortage of psychological therapies.
Matched on
terms: support, time
PFD report
73match
Lee Bonsall
Citalopram was inappropriately given on repeat prescription, contravening guidelines. Moreover, long ten-month waiting times for psychotherapy make it an unviable treatment alternative.
Matched on
terms: time, waiting
PFD report
73match
Sian Armstrong
A significant delay occurred in providing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for a child, Sian Armstrong, who was assessed as needing it, highlighting a lack of timely access to critical mental health support.
Matched on
terms: support, time
Committee recommendation
73match
#15 - Eating disorder waiting time standards unmet, while mental health standards remain too limited
We are concerned about the NHS still not meeting the eating disorder service standards, and how long young people suffering from eating disorders have to wait for treatment. NHSE explained to us that this is because it took time for the NHS to develop the services including infrastructure and workforce, which were not in place before the standards...
Matched on
terms: time, waiting
Committee recommendation
72match
#179 - Require balancing prisoner punishments with mandatory drug treatment referrals and resourcing consistent adjudications
We recommend that punishments, such as the loss of privileges, are balanced with a mandatory referral to drug treatment services. This ensures that individuals are held accountable while also directed towards the support they need to break the cycle of addiction. We also recommend that the Earned Progression model is accompanied by a clear, measurable plan to ensure...
Matched on
terms: addiction, support, time
PFD report
69match
Anthony Huggan
The lack of a suitable out-of-hours service for drug addiction placed an undue burden on emergency services, with insufficient timely follow-up for patients who self-discharged after overdoses.
Matched on
terms: addiction, time
PFD report
69match
John Derwent
Excessive waiting times for CBT (12 months) due to insufficient capacity and ineffective escalation mechanisms between commissioning and service providers prevented timely access to essential mental health treatment.
Matched on
terms: time, waiting
PFD report
69match
Conor Crutchley
The Early Intervention Team lacks specialist substance abuse workers for dual-diagnosis patients, and significant waiting times for talking therapies are hindered by recruitment and retention issues.
Matched on
terms: time, waiting
PFD report
69match
Justin Brown
Hospital discharge processes failed to ensure confirmed addiction support. A lack of agreed protocols and collaboration with drug services meant referrals were not effectively monitored for vulnerable patients.
Matched on
terms: addiction, support
PFD report
69match
Daniel Mervis
Oxford University lacks an overarching drug misuse policy, and St John's College's conflicting approach of severe penalties versus support may discourage students with addiction from seeking help.
Matched on
terms: addiction, support
PFD report
69match
Robyn Skilton
Significant underfunding and under-resourcing of CAMHS caused extensive waiting times for child psychiatrist assessments, preventing timely diagnosis and treatment. Exploding referral rates without proportionate resource increases have made the service unsustainable, endangering young people.
Matched on
terms: time, waiting
PFD report
65match
Scott Carton
Inadequate psychological support for prisoners with mental health and drug issues upon release, including unsuitable hostel placements without specialist input, compromises rehabilitation and increases re-offending risk.
Matched on
terms: support
PFD report
65match
Daniel Hall
University students face lengthy delays accessing mental health support, even when expressing suicidal ideation and having known risk factors like ASD.
Matched on
terms: support
Committee recommendation
65match
#16 - Implementation of new mental health waiting time standards for community services remains uncertain.
In 2022, NHSE consulted on new waiting times standards for mental health services in the community and A&E for both children and adults, with most (81%) respondents to the consultation in favour of the new standards. If implemented, these would represent a major extension of performance standards for mental health services. However, NHSE could not confirm whether or...
Matched on
terms: time, waiting
Committee recommendation
65match
#14 - NHS fails to meet waiting time standards for children and young people's eating disorder services
From 2015, NHSE introduced specific waiting times standards for three service areas —talking therapy services, early intervention in psychosis services and eating disorder services for children and young people—which set ambitions for people to enter treatment quickly. While the NHS has met the standards for talking therapy services and early intervention in psychosis services, it has not yet...
Matched on
terms: time, waiting
LGO / SPSO decision
64match
21-011-449 - Cambridgeshire County Council
Summary: Mr X complained about support for drug dependence for his late relative Mr Y. The Council which commissioned Change Grow Live, was at fault because there was no review of Mr Y’s long-term prescription of diazepam, no audit of the file and a failure to deal with a request for records within legal timescales in the Access...
Matched on
terms: support, time
Committee recommendation
64match
#28 - Sixth Report - Stolen years: combatting state hostage diplomacy
We recommend a plan be prepared by the FCDO for providing material support for long-term arbitrarily detained persons on their release as well as support during detention for families especially where the detainee is the primary earner. In this context the FCDO should: • Continue to resource organisations who provide psychological support beyond release and physical rehabilitation such...
Matched on
terms: addiction, support
PFD report
61match
David Read
After an initial urgent referral and a cancelled appointment, a new appointment for mental health services was scheduled after a delay of over 16 weeks, during which time the patient died.
Matched on
terms: time
PFD report
61match
Thomas Wall
The lack of local in-patient detox facilities and long waiting lists are unacceptable. A more collaborative approach for dual diagnosis patients is critically needed, as current separation of care increases risk.
Matched on
terms: waiting
PFD report
61match
Lakhminder Kaur
Concerns arose regarding unmanaged long-term zopiclone addiction and the immediate cessation of the drug, which was done to prevent serious self-harm.
Matched on
terms: addiction
IMB annual report
60match
Dovegate (2024)
HMP Dovegate, a privately run Category B training prison for men aged 21 and over, operated at or near its 1160 operational capacity during the reporting year. The Board observed generally calm wings with good staff-prisoner relationships and commended improvements in education. Key concerns include three deaths in custody, long healthcare and mental health transfer waiting times, persistent...
Matched on
terms: time, waiting
PFD report
57match
Shane Hardy
Individuals with co-occurring addictions and mental health issues fell through service gaps, receiving no assistance. Additionally, there was a lack of inter-agency information sharing and no identified lead agency for communication.
Matched on
terms: addiction
PFD report
57match
Robert Lloyd
Geographical isolation and reduced transport options severely limited face-to-face alcohol support services, leading to reliance on less effective video links and decreased engagement for island residents.
Matched on
terms: support
PFD report
57match
Aaron McCaffrey
The lack of purchase limits for loperamide medication at retail stores enables bulk buying, increasing the risk of addiction and overdose.
Matched on
terms: addiction
PFD report
57match
Stuart Campbell
Inadequate guidance and clinical support for ADS workers, coupled with a failure to follow escalation protocols and properly document shared care discussions, contributed to unmet patient needs.
Matched on
terms: support
PFD report
57match
Karl Willis
"Self-certification" for medication without GP notification allows vulnerable patients with addiction issues to obtain potentially toxic drugs like Amitriptyline unchecked, removing a crucial safeguard.
Matched on
terms: addiction
PFD report
57match
Jade Rayner
Police failed to record and investigate a sexual offence allegation against a vulnerable patient, denying her victim support. There was also a lack of clear multi-agency strategy for complex cases involving trauma and alcohol misuse.
Matched on
terms: support
PFD report
57match
Steven Allen
Strong pain medication was prescribed to a patient with a history of drug addiction and self-harm, often through remote consultations, with insufficient challenge or oversight regarding their chaotic lifestyle.
Matched on
terms: addiction
PFD report
57match
Nicholas Spooner
There is an urgent need for specialist dual diagnosis services with outreach facilities for individuals experiencing mental health crises intertwined with substance abuse, who are often denied adequate support.
Matched on
terms: support
Committee recommendation
57match
#160 - Widespread illicit substance availability normalises drug use and addiction within prisons.
The widespread and increasing availability of illicit substances has fostered a culture of acceptance that normalises drug use in prisons. This makes the presence of drugs inescapable for many prisoners. The situation is made worse by two key factors: the high number of people entering prison with an existing addiction, and the worrying trend of prisoners who had...
Matched on
terms: addiction
Committee recommendation
56match
#22 - Despite increased access, significant treatment gaps and long waiting lists persist for mental health services.
It is good to see that the number of people accessing NHS funded mental services has increased, from 3.6 million in 2016–17 to 4.5 million in 2021–22. However, this equates to only around one third of people with mental health needs accessing services, with an estimated eight million still not doing so.43 NHSE acknowledged that, under the current...
Matched on
terms: waiting
IMB annual report
56match
Parc (2024)
HMP/YOI Parc, a Category B/C resettlement prison, faced significant challenges including 19 deaths in custody, with a notable cluster of drug-related fatalities, and high levels of self-harm and violence, though a downtrend was observed towards the end of the reporting period. Persistent concerns included poor food quality and quantity, insufficient keyworkers, and ongoing issues with property transfers. Healthcare...
Matched on
terms: time, waiting
PHSO casework decision
56match
P-002701 - Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Mr L complains about the waiting times for an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment at the Trust. He also complains he was not told he could access an alternative NHS funded assessment through the right to choose pathway and about the lack of advice given to him while waiting for his assessment.
Matched on
terms: time, waiting
IMB annual report
55match
Berwyn (2021)
HMP Berwyn, a category C resettlement prison, experienced its first period near full operational capacity during a reporting year largely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite restrictions, the IMB found the establishment safe with generally good staff-prisoner relationships and efforts made to provide education and essential work. However, significant concerns persisted regarding infrastructure defects (heating, paint), lengthy healthcare...
Matched on
terms: time, waiting
LGO / SPSO decision
55match
201810152 - Tayside NHS Board
C was referred to the board's urology service (specialists in the male and female urinary tract, and the male reproductive organs) via an urgent referral due to suspected cancer. C was diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma (a type of cancer that typically occurs in the urinary system). C underwent laparoscopic (keyhole surgery) nephroureterectomy (a surgical procedure to remove...
Matched on
terms: time, waiting
PFD report
53match
Pauline Meredith
Concerns include prolonged prescribing of excessive medication without review, adding morphine to a high-dose regimen for an alcohol-dependent patient, and a GP's perceived reluctance to address family concerns. Delayed involvement of mental health services was also noted.
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
52match
#24 - Specific groups face significant barriers accessing drug treatment and support.
We were concerned to hear about the barriers people, such as women and black, Asian and minority ethnic people, can face when accessing treatment. No-one should be unable, or feel unable, to receive treatment and support. (Paragraph 100) Drugs 75
Matched on
terms: support
IMB annual report
51match
Sudbury (2022)
HMP/YOI Sudbury is an open Category D resettlement prison. The Board noted positive improvements in staff-prisoner relationships, healthcare provision, and the availability of work and vocational training opportunities. However, significant concerns remain regarding the extremely outdated accommodation, persistent staff shortages impacting various services, and issues with prisoner property transfers. The report also highlights long dental waiting times and...
Matched on
terms: time, waiting
PFD report
49match
Paul Nash
A GP surgery failed to prioritise urgent seizure medication, and epilepsy patients nationally face difficulties obtaining sufficient quantities, leading to poor seizure control and potential delays.
Matched on
classifier match
PFD report
49match
William Maskell
The absence of clear protocols and an overemphasis on student autonomy led to delayed intervention and reluctance to force entry for a student in distress, risking future deaths.
Matched on
classifier match
PFD report
49match
Jamie Pashley
The system over-relied on individuals proactively managing their rehabilitation post-detoxification. Concerns included a lack of fixed appointments, follow-up calls, and limited availability of an alcohol liaison nurse post-discharge.
Matched on
classifier match
PFD report
49match
Jane Bush
Persistent delays in mental health assessments and access to psychological therapy are driven by ongoing staff recruitment and retention issues, hindering the Trust's ability to manage increased demand for complex cases.
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
48match
#164 - Revise drug testing policy for dual response: disciplinary action and treatment referral.
The MoJ and HMPPS must revise the drug testing policy to ensure that positive test results consistently trigger a dual response: swift and certain disciplinary action (with a rehabilitative element) and an immediate, 60 mandatory referral for a clinical needs assessment and engagement with tailored substance misuse treatment and psychosocial support. (Recommendation, Paragraph 24)
Matched on
terms: support
LGO / SPSO decision
48match
21-018-980 - We Do Recover CIC
Summary: We will discontinue the investigation into Ms X’s complaint about the care and support received at an alcohol and drug treatment centre as there is nothing more we could achieve. The care provider has offered a refund for the days after Ms X left the facility and has explained why this is less than the amount Ms...
Matched on
terms: support
LGO / SPSO decision
48match
24-018-275 - West Sussex County Council
Summary: Miss Y complained about a support service commissioned by the Council for people in its area recovering from alcohol and drug misuse and provided to Mr X, her late father. We have found fault, causing injustice, by the service provider in failing to: follow its proper procedure in response to a suspicion Mr X had been drinking...
Matched on
terms: support
Committee recommendation
48match
#29 - Embed specialist practical and mental health support for families of drug users.
We recommend that local authorities use the funding allocated under the 10-Year Drugs Strategy to embed specialist practical and mental health support within drug treatment and support services for the families and the loved ones of people who use, or used, drugs.
Matched on
terms: support
Committee recommendation
48match
#10 - Continuity of drug treatment for prison leavers remains consistently low after release.
The continuity of prison leavers’ drug treatment in the community has remained low for many years. In 2021–22, 37% of prison leavers in England with a substance misuse treatment referral were engaged in community-based treatment three weeks after release (38.1% in 2020–21).23 We questioned whether HMPPS was providing enough support to prisoners with substance misuse needs prior to...
Matched on
terms: support
PFD report
45match
Alan Stanfield Browning
A vulnerable patient was discharged from a care facility without family notification or proper accommodation arrangements, specifically on a Friday, highlighting a lack of robust discharge planning.
Matched on
classifier match
PFD report
45match
Richard White
Hope House lacked a formal, documented policy or protocol for medication administration, which was unknown to prescribers and not made available to staff.
Matched on
classifier match