Fresh moves to end drug-related deaths
Health chiefs have taken action as they look to tackle a climbing number of drug-related deaths across Renfrewshire.
Figures published in July revealed 50 people died in 2018 - a rise of 31.6 per cent from the year before.
Analysis carried out showed those who lost their lives in the local authority area were most likely to be men, living alone, using three or more drugs and have an underlying health condition.
The most common cause of death was methadone and etizolam intoxication.
This information, detailed in a report on drug-related deaths, will be discussed at Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Integration Joint Board.
Experts at the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) have vowed to stop the spiralling number of casualties as a result of drug abuse.
An update in the report said: “All drug-related deaths are tragedies.
“Renfrewshire HSCP are committed to continue to work in partnership to reduce the harm caused by alcohol and drugs, to stop drug- related deaths and support more people to recover in Renfrewshire.”
Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drugs Partnership ( ADP) has already identified areas of priority.
These include; the supply of naloxone, a drug that can decrease the risk of opioid misuse, considering the optimal methadone maintenance dose, people who have multiple and complex needs, non- fatal overdose assertive outreach and a prescribing audit of gabapentin, a drug which when taken with other medication can produce a high.
A whole system review of alcohol and drug services is under way and progress has included:
Recruitment of a service manager for the new integrated Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service, with an expected start date of October 2019
Recovery hub premises has been secured and is currently being renovated with a completion date of early 2020.
Recruitment to the recovery hub manager will begin November 2019.
Funding has been secured to recruit a further two peer support workers with lived experience, with recruitment to commence October 2019.
Provision of a more robust shared care service has been agreed with GPs. This is due to start in early 2020.
Home alcohol detoxification to be available in Renfrewshire early 2020.
ADP funded navigator posts to be established in Emergency Department at Royal Alexandra Hospital and recruitment is under way with Police Scotland’s Violence Reduction Unit.
Drug Death Partnership Group will continue. This group was set up locally in 2018 in response to the concerning rise of etizolam use and associated deaths within Renfrewshire.
Furthwr measures include xploring the potential of Operation Threshold with Police Scotland, which will focus on disrupting the drugs trade while directing vulnerable individuals to engage with local services, and exploring the potential for an advocacy worker with lived experience specifically for alcohol and drugs, in partnership with the Scottish Recovery Forum.
Participation in the Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drugs Commission. is also set to continue.