Posts in News
Opioid dependency is on the rise. NHS SMPA’s Vice Chair, Emily Finch, talked to BBC Radio 4 about the prescription of opioid-based medication in the UK
Opioid dependency is on the rise. NHS SMPA’s Vice Chair, Emily Finch, talked to BBC Radio 4 about the prescription of opioid-based medication in the UK

Public Health England has launched a new review on the use of prescription opioid medicines in the UK. NHS SMPA’s Emily Finch was invited onto BBC’s Radio 4’s Today programme yesterday to discuss opioid use in England.

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opinion, NewsAmanda ClarkNHS SMPAopioid, opioids, NHS, NHS SMPA, opioid medicine, BBC Radio 4, painkillers, Prescription Drugs, opiates, Dr. Emily Finch
On publication of ONS’ data showing drug-poisoning-related deaths in England and Wales highest in 24 years of study, NHS SMPA’s Emily Finch talked to BBC Radio 4 about the challenges facing services.
On publication of ONS’ data showing drug-poisoning-related deaths in England and Wales highest in 24 years of study, NHS SMPA’s Emily Finch talked to BBC Radio 4 about the challenges facing services.

“The first thing we have to remember is that every death represents a huge loss for a family, loss of a son or daughter, parent or sibling, so this is really affecting people.”

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News, opinionLeonie TaylerNHS SMPAdrug related deaths, drugs, Office for National Statistics, BBC Radio 4, Emily Finch, The Loop, Fentanyl, cocaine, substance misuse services, Substance Misuse, NHS SMPA, Ecstasy, MDMA, funding, funding cuts, training, Department of Health
NHS Substance Use Inpatient Network, Public Health England & Department for Health and Social Care met to discuss diminishing medically managed detox provision.
NHS Substance Use Inpatient Network, Public Health England & Department for Health and Social Care met to discuss diminishing medically managed detox provision.

Meeting with PHE and DHSC offered an opportunity to examine the specific challenges that NHS detox facilities face within the current economic climate and commissioning arrangements.

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NewsLeonie TaylerNHS SMPAPublic Health England, in-patient detoxification, detox, drugs, Alcohol, NHS SMPA, NHS, Department for Health and Social Care, Funding, Funding cuts
Public Health England announce a new £4.5million fund aimed at supporting children and parents affected by alcohol.
Public Health England announce a new £4.5million fund aimed at supporting children and parents affected by alcohol.

With an estimated 200,000 children affected by alcohol in England, this investment is well needed and NHS SMPA sincerely welcome it.  However, there is much more to do than this funding will allow, so this needs to be the start point for investment in this area, not the end.

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NewsLeonie TaylerNHS SMPAfunding, Alcohol, children, Local Authorities, Public Health England