Annex
RCGP/GPC POLICY STATEMENT ON CARE OF SUBSTANCE
ABUSERS
The RCGP and GPC believe that General Practitioners
should offer appropriate care to all patients on their lists.
Where patients have problems with substance abuse, appropriate
care will include aspects of primary care normally provided by
the practice health care team, shared care with other services
and referral to other appropriate services.
Certain GPs may develop particular expertise
in the care of substance abusers, and the number and location
of these doctors should, ideally, be sufficient to avoid substantial
workload falling onto only a few GPs. In supporting the development
of this expertise, the Health Departments must ensure the provision
of appropriate training in this field; facilitate of professional
support; resource the adequate provision for support services
including specialist services and appropriate financial additional
remuneration for such work.
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