LOCAL drug and alcohol treatment programmes are moving into the private sector in Harrow.

NHS Harrow has decided to end its in-house service and is looking for a specialist organisation to take on drug and alcohol misuse services.

Health bosses say they are looking for a suitably qualified and experienced body to take on the work, and has posted an official message on its website looking for expressions of interest.

NHS Harrow currently deals with around 600 people a year in the borough who need help with substance misuse, and a review has suggested the service could be more flexible and better for patients if delivered by a specialist organisation.

The new service is expected to start at the beginning of next year. Interested groups can e-mail Dimple Dave at Dimple.Dave@harrowpct.nhs.uk by 1pm on Monday, July 20.