(2) how many prisoners have received enhanced prison clinical drug treatment.
An Independent evaluation of the Integrated Drug Treatment System has been commissioned by the Department. The independent evaluation began in 2008 and is timetabled to be completed in 2011.
In 2008-09, 64,767 prisoners received clinical drug treatment. Of these, 45,135 were on a detoxification programme and 19,632 were on a maintenance prescribing programme.
In 2007-08, a total of 58,809 prisoners received a clinical drug intervention. Of these, 46,291 received detoxification and 12,518 a maintenance prescription for opioid dependency.
In 2008-09, a total of 64,767 prisoners received a clinical drug intervention. Of these 45,135 received detoxification and 19,632 received a maintenance prescription for opioid dependency.
All clinical interventions for drug treatment, whether for detoxification or maintenance purposes, are delivered as part of the integrated drug treatment system and in line with the latest clinical guidelines.
In 2009-10, the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) allocated £42.5 million for the delivery of drug interventions in prisons. This includes funding for accredited drug treatment programmes, CARATs (counselling, assessment, referral, advice and throughcare services) and compact based drug testing.
In the same year, the Department invested £210 million in the provision of health care services to offenders, including funding for clinical drug treatments. The Department allocates funding to primary care trusts (PCTs) via strategic health authorities, on the basis of the relative needs of their populations.
In the last 12 months, the Department has additionally allocated £39.5 million to NHS PCTs for the targeted implementation of the integrated drug treatment system.