SWITZERLAND; KANTON SSCHAFFHAUSEN (German speaking part)
 
Kantonsarzt: Dr. med. TH. FRÖHLICH
Address: Haus zum Winckel
Beckenstube 9
8201 Schaffhausen
Phone: +41-52-6327787
Fax: +41-52-6327754

The prescription of methadone has to be approved by the "Oberarzt" (senior doctor) of the Psychiatriezentrum (psychiatric centre). Methadone is dispensed through General Practitioners who are involved in the methadone programme and the Psychiatriezentrum. In prisons the doctor involved dispenses methadone.
 

Psychiatriezentrum Schaffhausen
 
The centre employs 7 professionals of which 3 doctors, 2 nurses, 1 social worker and 1 administrator.
Treatment philosophy is based upon harm reduction offering detoxification and maintenance programmes. The average dose of methadone prescribed is 70 mg.
Currently the centre treats 30-35 patients. There is no waiting list.
 
The centre offers:
- medical care (limited)
- social assistance
- psychiatric care
- psycho-therapy
- other medication (Naltrexon, dual-indication)
 
The centre demands:
- daily attendance
- urine checks
 
Non-attendance, relapse, non-co-operation and violence can get patient expelled from treatment.
 
If patient want to enter the programme on a permanent basis he has to sign a treatment contract under the conditions of the centre. If coming from another programme all information of treatment history.
 
Procedures for taking patient for a short time:
The centre should be informed beforehand by phone or fax and confirmed by letter.
The information necessary is:
- identity
- dose and period for which methadone is requested
- references where information can be checked
 
When visiting the patient has to bring a letter from his doctor. Costs depend on individual case.
 
Address:
Psychiatriezentrum Schaffhausen
Breitenaustrasse 124
8200 Schaffhausen
Phone: +41-52-6321182
Fax: +41-52-6321128
Contact person: K. DÖBELI
Hours of opening: from 8.00 till 12.00 hours and from 13.30 till 18.00 hours