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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: GPs 'lack training to treat addicts'
Ananova
Tuesday 15 Jan 2002 MPs have been told drug addicts are being treated by GPs who lack training, resources and remuneration. Dr Andrew Thompson, the NHS Alliance special adviser on drug misuse, claims the problems of drug misuse and addiction are exacting an increasing toll on GPs. He says this is particularly true in inner city areas where it is estimated 2% of the total population are heroin and cocaine users. Dr Thompson has told the parliamentary Home Affairs Select Committee: "Users are on waiting lists for six months or more in places and are either left without a service, or are prescribed for by a few willing GPs with little training, and no resource or remuneration. "Involvement at any level from generalist to specialist must remain voluntary for GPs. "And it must be linked to proper training, support and remuneration." Dr Thompson also called for drug workers to be recruited into primary care so that GPs were not managing case files on their own. He said: "GPs are well placed to provide this care and, providing these issues are addressed, ought to be able to do so to a high standard. "The primary care, augmented by the drugs workers, could provide care where many want it. "That would mean much shorter waits for treatment and effectively expand the care that is currently given by the community drug teams."
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