The search for a new home for a controversial needle exchange for recovering drug addicts at Surbiton Health Centre could cost as much as £80,000.

The community wellbeing service, including drug and alcohol rehabilitation, at Surbiton Health Centre has come under fire from parents, governors, and the headteacher at next-door Lime Tree Primary School, as well as councillors.

Dr Jonathan Hildebrand, Kingston Council’s director of public health, said reviewing the service’s location could involve appointing a “mental health champion”, discussions with GPs, and consultation with parents and councillors.

The bill for the review would come to about £40,000 if it looked only at new locations in other health centres and clinics.

But if it has to consider sites with different planning status, that figure could double, Dr Hildebrand’s report said.

A new risk assessment would have to be carried out to look at moving the service, and patients would be asked their views on possible new sites.

A previous risk assessment by consultants RSM Tenon concluded the wellbeing service should stay where it is, subject to six-monthly reviews involving health providers, residents, and councillors.

That report cost the council £11880 – including VAT.

The wellbeing service launched in April.

 

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