P.24 Needle exchange

Individuals attending needle exchange (Quarterly in arrears)

• 1,669 in December, 1,531 in November (Target 1200)
• Below target: CHO3 268 (Target 271)
• Data returned tri monthly, quarterly in arrears 

P.25 Opioid substitute treatment (month in arrears)

• 9,563 patients received treatment (excluding prisons) as of the end of March which includes 4,103 patients being treated by 351 GPs in the community.
• 652 pharmacies dispensed treatment catering for 6,646 patients.
• 77 HSE clinics were providing treatment and an additional 11 prison clinics were provided in the prison service.
• 59 new patients commenced treatment during March (13 in General Practice, 34 in HSE clinics and 12 in the prison clinics).
• The majority of Opioid Substitution Treatment (OST) KPIs are on target with the exception of transfers. Reasons behind the below target transfer of stabilised clients to the lowest level of complexity (Level 1) from clinics and Level 2 GPs is being examined via Performance Meetings. 

Opioid substitute treatment waiting times (month in arrears):

We are not in a position to provide a commentary due to a full suite of data not being returned. This has been brought to the attention of the CO’s as part of the Primary Care Performance Meetings. See Appendix 2: Data Coverage Issues for further details.

P.9 Tobacco

Smokers receiving intensive cessation support

• 1,159 received cessation support. 947 in March. (Target 976)
• 5,171 YTD (Target YTD 4,378)