Two consultations relevant to alcohol policy recently closed; the Home Office led 2010 Drugs Strategy consultation and the NHS commissioning reform proposals. Below we've highlighted responses from some key organisations.
Drugs strategy responses
Drugscope, the national charity for drug misuse, have supported the overarching aims set out in the consultation. In its response it highlighted members support a focus on "recovery and social (re)integration and applaud the recognition that delivering on this recovery vision requires a holistic approach". However a range of recommendations were made including 'a clear commitment to an evidence-based approach to drug policy', 'maintaining a ring fenced budget for drug and alcohol treatment' and 'consideration to the development of a joint drug and alcohol strategy'. See Drugsope's consultation response overview [pdf].
See here for responses from Transform, the drug policy and law reform organisation, Domestic Violence organisation the Stella Project, and drug and alcohol service providers Addaction & Westminster Drug Project UK.
NHS commissioning reform responses
The King's Fund response, Liberating the NHS: too far, too fast, suggests how the reforms should be implemented, also producing a guide that examines the past and future role for GPs in commissioning - A focus on GP commissioning.
The NHS Confederation's response sets out 40 suggestions for improving the new system but warned it will be 'exceptionally difficult to deliver major structural change and make £20 billion worth of efficiency savings at the same time.'
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) response included a press release which said 'GPs support stronger clinical leadership for commissioning services for patients, but training, time and resources are necessary to make it a success.'
The AERC Alcohol Academy's response said it was imperative that continued investment in alcohol treatment and prevention was vital and that alcohol's voice nust not be lost amongst the wider changes. It also called for recognition of the need for specific alcohol commissioning skills.
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