The Deanery comes under Commerce Commission scrutiny

Christchurch-based alcoholic treatment centre, The Deanery, has admitted

that its advertising of an "overall success rate of 88%" was liable to

mislead the public, and has agreed to remove all references to the claim

from its website and publications.

A Commerce Commission investigation revealed that The Deanery's claim of

an 88% success rate was made on its website, in numerous letters to MPs

and Government officials, in a media release, in brochures sent to

prospective clients and in advertising leaflets faxed to doctors.

The claim was based on figures compiled in-house by Deanery staff as to

whether clients who had participated in the programme were sober at the

time of the 'survey'. The survey lacked any statistical or scientific

methodology and had not been independently verified. In addition, the

Deanery's own most recent survey pointed to less favourable results.

Commerce Commission Director of Fair Trading Deborah Battell said the

signed settlement with The Deanery included undertakings to immediately

remove all references to the 88% rate claim and to take all reasonable

steps to ensure it did not make representations that were liable to

mislead the public as to the quality and success of the Deanery's

programme.

"People who have drug and alcohol problems are very vulnerable and it's

important they are able to make decisions on treatments based on

accurate information," she said.

"The Commission will follow up on the settlement, and if we find the

Deanery has breached the Fair Trading Act, or not adhered to the

undertakings, we will take further action."

Background

The Deanery is an alcoholic treatment centre, operating since December

1999 from its Christchurch premises. The Deanery runs a four-day

in-patient programme, which is followed by an ongoing out-patient

programme that includes prescription of the drug Antabuse. Clients are

almost exclusively private, paying $5,500 for the service.

Media contact: Deborah Battell, Director of Fair Trading

Mobile 029 924 3760

Gail Kernohan, Communications Adviser

Phone work (04) 924 3709, mobile 029 924 3709