UK's first safer drug consumption room officially opens
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The UK's first safer drug consumption room is officially open. The Thistle - based in Glasgow's east end - will allow users to be able to consume drugs, including injecting heroin, under supervision in a clean and hygienic environment. The pilot is being backed by the Scottish government, with Holyrood pledging up to £2.3m a year for the facility to help tackle the country's drug-related deaths crisis.
Data from National Records of Scotland recently showed there were a total of 1,172 deaths due to drug misuse in 2023 - a rise of 121 (12%) on the previous year. The safer drug consumption facility (SDCF) is based at Hunter Street Health Centre and will be open 365 days a year from 9am to 9pm.
It is hoped the centre will help addicts access wider support to improve their lives, as well as reduce the risk of blood-borne viruses (BBV) such as HIV. The facility will not provide drugs - users will have to bring their own supply. Can taking hard drugs in an NHS room save lives?.
UK's first taxpayer-funded injection room to open in radical move to tackle drugs epidemic. Prisoners left needing hospital treatment after taking 'drone-delivered' drugs. Alongside the eight individual injection booths, there is also a recovery area, private chatrooms, a lounge with books and hot drinks, a shower room, a clothing bank and an outdoor smoking shelter.
There are also two health rooms where users can access a range of treatments, including having any wounds looked at or BBV testing undertaken. Staff and representatives from a variety of support organisations will also be stationed at the centre to assist those seeking help.
