Welsh Conservatives have raised concerns that Wales could stand to lose its only drug and alcohol free residential rehabilitation facility if funding is not urgently secured.
The Rhoserchan facility near Aberystwyth could face closure as soon as the end of August if financial support is not found.
Shadow Minister for Social Justice Mark Isherwood AM has obtained a copy of report that maps the need against existing and planned provision of integrated detoxification and rehabilitation facilities within the three Registered Tier 4 providers in Wales.
Commenting, Mark Isherwood said, “The report recommends that Rhoserchan should be supported to maximize their bed spaces and services.
“The Welsh Assembly Government made additional funding available in 2008 after a previous review of services highlighted significant unmet need for inpatient detoxification and residential rehabilitation.
“The report notes that two other similar facilities, Brynawel House and Ty’n Rodyn, appear to have benefitted from extra funds, but not Rhoserchan.
“Having visited Rhoserchan in June, I was able to see first hand the excellent work they do with people who have long-term addiction problems.
”Although they no longer receive any core funding, they provide part of a national service in Wales, investing to save on NHS costs, crime, prison and homelessness.
“However, they are anxious that unless Rhoserchan receives the help it needs to continue operating, it will be gone by the end of August. This is a matter of deep concern.”
Mr Isherwood also expressed concerns about funding being allocated to admit clients with addictions to facilities across the border, rather than developing the services available in Wales.
“The report also notes that substantial numbers of clients continue to be referred to residential rehabilitation in England, with much of the additional money from the Welsh Government appearing to have been used to fund inpatient detoxification admissions in England.
“There is a clear need to improve the availability of such facilities in Wales and this cannot be done while precious resources are being diverted over to facilities across the border.
“I have written to the Minister to ask her to act urgently to protect Rhoserchan. We cannot underestimate the value of this facility to people in Wales battling long term addiction.”
