§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to reduce the waiting time for treatment for drug abuse in Shropshire; and if he will make a statement. [137510]
§ Dr. LadymanShropshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) is responsible for drug misuse services in Shropshire.
Shropshire and Staffordshire Strategic Health Authority reports that the PCT's drug action team has taken part in the 'Opening Doors' programme promoted by the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse and the NHS Modernisation Agency.
As a result, significant progress has already been made on waiting times in Shropshire. The latest figures show waiting times of between two and five weeks, depending on the kind of treatment.