Commission (NDC) to create and operate a new centralised substance abuse management centre.

John Trott left a post as the director of an accredited, multi-function addiction centre in Sudbury, Ontario to establish the Assessment and Case Management Centre locally.

The centre's function will be to initially assess any person who needs substance abuse treatment and determine the level of treatment required, Dr.

Derrick Binns, NDC chief executive officer said.

"Trained counsellors will then follow-up the patient, ensuring the person doesn't slip through the cracks. It's a part of continual treatment,'' he added.

At his former post, Mr. Trott was responsible for two detoxification centres, adult and youth outpatient and day treatment programmes and an assessment centre.

The centres served a population of more than 200,000.

Another previous post he filled was that of provincial clinical consultant and he was a member of the Ontario government's task groups dealing with models of intake and assessment and admission and discharge criteria.

Mr. Trott has a Masters of Science in Addiction from LaSalle University and more than 30 years of experience in a variety of treatment roles.

"Mr. Scott has had the experience in what we need to be done.'' said Dr.

Binns.

"And I'm even more sure of that after the past several weeks.''