ADDICTS NEED MORE SUPPORT

Substance misusers in Oldham are being let down by the system because they
cannot get a quick appointment to see a counsellor, according to a local GP.

Dr Paul Callow, a PCG board member, said that his patients had to wait so
long after asking for help, they were getting deeper in to trouble.

"By the time they get to see a counsellor they have re-offended, and they
are only re-offending to get their next fix", he said.

Dr Callow spoke out after hearing that plans to create a specialist mental
health trust for Oldham, Tameside, Rochdale and Bury were open to
consultation - and that one of the trusts responsibilities could be
substance misuse.