There are 22 Drug Action Teams (DATs) in the North West of England. These DATs are responsible for designing and commissioning a drug treatment system that is fit for all their residents. The DATs submit treatment plans to the NTA in January of each year. A regional assessment panel meet to consider these plans. Some plans are agreed at this stage, others are required to submit further information before the plans are agreed.

These plans show how treatment services will be developed and resources allocated over the coming financial year from April to April. The final plans become public documents and are available directly from the individual DATs. North West DATs are generally making good progress in developing their treatment services, with a good track record of providing substitute prescribing treatments (e.g. Methadone Maintenance Treatment - MMT) to people with a heroin problem.

More on drug treatment 2009-10 in the North West