It was with great interest I read the article about the high rate of positive drug tests within Lewes Prison (The Argus, August 8).

As the manager of the drug team within the prison (CRI), I am only too aware of the extent of the problem facing our workers, the inmate population, prison staff and the community every day caused by the rates of drug misuse and crime.

However, it is in many ways not surprising that Lewes records a high figure. It is a predominantly remand establishment, thus takes individuals directly from local courts.

Let us not forget that Brighton and Hove has one of the highest rates of drug-related deaths in western Europe. Hastings and Eastbourne also experience significant problems with drug-related crime.

Prison governor Paul Carroll has been in post for only 16 months. This period has seen significant advances in our approaches to this serious problem.

The drug team has been increased by 50 per cent and can offer a comprehensive range of treatment programmes to more than 500 inmates a year.

We now have the best qualified, most experienced and best performing drug team in the Kent, Sussex and Surrey Prison Service area.

Specialist medical time has been purchased to detoxify 250 inmates a year. This post is funded by the DAAT and the prison service.

CRI has employed an outreach worker to ensure that inmates completing treatment within the prison can be supported upon their return to the community.

CRI, the prison and Sussex Probation Service are also partners in a Home Office-funded pilot resettlement project that is identified as a model of good practice nationally.

Twenty prison officers have also received tailored and specialist substance misuse training in the past year with a further 12 to be trained in September.

We must not be complacent about the extent of the problem but should also emphasise the positive and effective action being undertaken by staff within this extremely difficult environment.

-Mike Pattinson, CRI - Substance Misuse Services Manager, Lewes Prison