Holyrood committee requests views on former Tory leader’s Right to Recovery Bill

A Holyrood committee is urging people to have their say about a Bill which seeks to enshrine in law a  right to treatment for drug or alcohol addiction.

Health Committee convener Clare Haughey said the “tragic impact” that addition can have meant the proposal was one the committee “takes extremely seriously”.

Tory MSP Douglas Ross has introduced the Right to Addiction Recovery (Scotland) Bill to Holyrood – which sets out to give those diagnosed with a drug or alcohol addiction the right to treatment.

Under the terms of the legislation, people would be given a say in the form of treatment that they would receive, and it should be made available to them within three weeks.

If a medical professional decides the treatment being requested is not appropriate – or indeed that no treatment is appropriate –  they must inform the person in writing why they believe this is the case.

A second opinion from a different health worker could then be sought.

Ms Haughey said MSPs were keen to hear views on whether the changes would help those dealing with drug and alcohol addictions.

She stated: “The tragic impact of alcohol and drug addiction is clear and is an issue this committee takes extremely seriously.

“We’re keen to hear views on whether people agree with the purpose and extent of the Bill and whether it will help those facing drug and alcohol addiction.

“We want to know what the key advantages and/or disadvantages are of placing this right to receive treatment, for people with drug and alcohol addiction, in law.

“We also want to hear views on the proposed procedure for determining treatment, and timescales for providing treatment.”

She added: “We want to hear from individuals, charities and support groups who work in this area, health organisations, local and national government, the legal sector and academics.”

People and organisations have until December 20 to submit their views to the Scottish Parliament.