Shift of responsibility from NHS has led to ‘serious shortcomings’ in service for alcohol and drug problems, ex-health minister finds
Fewer people with alcohol and drug problems are being treated since responsibility for their care was shifted from the NHS to local councils, a former Conservative health minister has found.
Patients’ care has become poorer, specialist detoxification beds are now harder to access and the cost of treatment has spiralled, freedom of information (FoI) requests show.