TARDY ADDICTS 'PUT AT RISK'

PEOPLE'S lives are being put at risk because a State Government naltrexone
clinic is refusing to treat heroin addicts who are late for their
appointments, according to Subiaco doctor George O'Neil.

Dr O'Neil said yesterday that the Next Step Specialist Drug and Alcohol
Service treatment policy was like a form of punishment for people who most
needed help.

He said if patients were denied naltrexone, provided free at Next Step,
they might go back to heroin use and be at increased risk of an overdose.

Next Step is the only WA provider of free naltrexone.

Dr O'Neil said that after three years of operating his Subiaco naltrexone
clinic he had learnt heroin addicts were not the best time-keepers and it
was unworkable to try to keep them to strict appointments.

"It is my opinion that this action by a government department represents
deliberate sabotage to these patients"recovery," Dr O'Neil said.

Distressed addicts were arriving at his clinic every second day because
they were being refused naltrexone at Next Step.

But Next Step clinical education and research director Steve Allsop said
the policy was about meeting the needs of patients at the same time as
ensuring the service was able to function effectively.

Associate Professor Allsop said all patients were required to have a
thorough clinical assessment before being provided with naltrexone, which
blocks the effects of heroin.

If they were late for their appointment and could not be assessed it would
not be appropriate to prescribe the drug.

"I am not aware of any instances where people's lives have been put at
risk," Professor Allsop said.

Next Step tried to be as flexible as possible with appointment times.

An information leaflet which Next Step patients are required to sign warns
patients that if they miss their appointment they may have to wait up to
two weeks to see a doctor.

"In other words, to ensure the continuation of your naltrexone . . . turn
up on time!" the leaflet says.

Federal Opposition Leader Kim Beazley says he has changed his mind on the
issue of trialling legalised heroin and now supports it.

"Because the evidence is if you actually keep people alive, they will kick
the habit, they'll get through it," he said.

Mr Beazley's comments came on the same day that the United Nations
international narcotics control board praised Australia's progress in the
battle against drugs.

Federal Health Minister Michael Wooldridge said he was delighted with the
high-level international endorsement of Australia's drug policy.