Sweden: Lund

Methadone Program, Lund University Hospital

Background information:

Treatment philosophy: maintenance

Average dose of Methadone prescribed: 102 mg (April –99)

Number of staff: 6

0.5 psychiatrist, 1 chief nurse, 2 nurses, 0.5 psychologist, 1 bio-medical analyst, 1 social worker

Max. number of patients able to treat: 85 (April –99)

Currently in treatment: 86 (April –99)

There is a long waiting list and a temporary stop for new admittance to the program.

New patients will probably be admitted from September –99.

What does the centre offer to the patients:

• Medical care
• Psychiatric care
• Psychotherapy
• Social assistance
• Medication in addition to methadone

What does the centre demand from the patients:

• Urine checks
• Mandatory meetings with a social worker

Criteria by which a patient could be expelled from treatment:

Violence, threats, criminality, tampering with urine samples, relapse, non-attendance, does not follow treatment plan.

Procedure for admitting a patient for a short period:

• The centre should be informed beforehand by fax or letter. This should mention:

Identity of patient

Treatment history

Dose of methadone

Period for which methadone is requested

References where information can be checked

• The patient should bring a letter from his/her doctor when visiting the program
• There is no maximum duration of treatment
• Before admitting a patient with a citizenship within the EU the centre demands the form EES E 112. Costs involved on social insurance system agreement with the Swdish rules.

Procedure for transferring a patient permanently:

In this case patients have to be registered and included in the Swedish health insurance system and have a national registration in Sweden. Application to the Swedish authorities is necessary and the patient has to meet the "Requirements for Admission" set by the Swedish government.

Address:

The Methadone Program

Lund University Hospital

S:t Larsområdet, MC

S-221 85 LUND

Phone: +46-46174390

Fax: +46-46174399

Contact: Dr. S. Ola Thulin, M.D.

E-mail: ola.thulin@skane.se