By STEWART PATERSON
A NEW centre for treating patients with alcohol and drug addiction was officially opened by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon yesterday .
The Kershaw Unit at Gartnavel Royal Hospital in Glasgow will co- ordinate services under one roof. Patients at the day unit receive detoxification, medication, therapy and help with returning to normal life once rehabilitated.
The service offers tailored support for patients whose drug or alcohol addictions require more extensive care than can be provided by community addiction teams, but who do not need the intense care provided by inpatient specialist services.
Ms Sturgeon said: “It is a fantastic facility. It is exactly the right environment for the services provided here. ” Patients attend daily for a range of treatments and opportunities to learn skills.
Joe Kelly, 51, has been receiving treatment for alcohol addiction for 10 years. He said: “This is much more modern than the other place and we are able to do more things. I come here and work in the garden every day and take my medication to keep me off the drink.”
Fellow patient Tam Kearns, 59, has been struggling with alcoholism for the past 15 years. He said: ” I am on the medication programme. It doesn’t work for everyone, but it helps me. Without this place I would be lying drunk somewhere.”
Iain Smith, consultant psychiatrist at Gartnavel Royal Hospital, said: “This unit brings together services. We can offer detoxification and then look at ways of keeping people off alcohol and drugs.
“We are on-site at the hospital and have access to seven beds in the main hospital for people experiencing severe difficulties who need admission.”
Originally published by Newsquest Media Group.
(c) 2008 Herald, The; Glasgow (UK). Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.
Comments