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Surbiton needle exchange move 'snuck in under the radar'

Surbiton.com: September 16, 2014 - 3:00am

Public health bosses have only themselves to blame for determined opposition to a planned move of drug rehab services in Surbiton, residents and business owners have said.

Treatment for addiction could be moved from Surbiton Health Centre to Hollyfield House in Hollyfield Road, alongside services for people with mental health issues. More than 500 people have signed a petition opposing the plans. Mary Marshall, who runs nearby Avondale gym, said Kingston Council had put up a “smokescreen” and failed to consult properly.

Councillor Julie Pickering, lead member for health, admitted the council “could have done better” by asking more residents what they thought. At the King Charles Centre yesterday, many raised concerns about the potential for patients to loiter in parks near Hollyfield House, and for drug paraphernalia to be left lying around.

Just two people a month use the service’s needle exchange, the meeting heard. About 40 people a day visit Surbiton Health Centre for rehab treatment. But if those services were joined with psychological therapies in Hollyfield House, visitor numbers could increase to 100 per day – making traffic and parking significant problems. Residents felt yesterday the search for a suitable new home for the service had also been rushed.

Another consultation meeting is set for 7.15pm tonight at Dysart School. The plans will be debated at a council meeting at 7.30pm on Thursday, September 18, at the Guildhall, ahead of a full council meeting in November.

Read more: 
http://www.surreycomet.co.uk/news/11475071.Surbiton_needle_exchange_move__snuck_...

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