Drug experts want ‘shooting galleries’ in EVERY city
A Sturgeon Moon (but it’s not for you, Nicola!)
SCOTLAND should introduce heroin ‘shooting galleries’ across the country to stem the rising tide of drug deaths, according to a new report.
Experts in Dundee have called for the drug consumption rooms to be introduced in a bid to rid the city of its ‘drug death capital of Europe’ tag.
They say Scotland should follow the example of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada, in using the galleries.
The Dundee Drugs Commission (DDC) was set up last year in response to the soaring number of fatalities in Scotland.
Scotland has the highest rate of drug deaths in the developed world, with a record 1,187 fatalities last year – more than three a day and a 27 per cent increase on the previous year.
Dundee accounted for a disproportionate number of fatalities, with 53 people dying from drugs.
The DDC report has now raised concerns about a ‘fractured’ care system which has left dozens of victims’ families feeling let down.
The commission yesterday published 16 recommendations which it says will take ‘strong and dedicated leadership over many years’ to successfully implement.
These include a need for cultural change across drug treatment services, as well as addressing the root causes of drug problems.
According to the report, professionally supervised healthcare facilities such as shooting galleries are needed so drug users can inject in safer conditions. It follows a similar plan in British Columbia, which has introduced shooting galleries after the number of drug deaths reached 1,500 in just one year.
Miles Briggs, the Scottish Conservatives health spokesman, said: ‘I have spent the summer listening to those at
‘The SNP need to take action’
the front line of drug and addiction services in order to develop the new cross-portfolio approach that is needed to turn this national public health emergency around.
‘It’s now time the SNP did the same and they need to take action on the recommendations contained within this report.’ The report also backed calls to petition the UK Government to grant increased devolved powers to allow for a full Scottish review of drug laws.
The commission highlighted issues for national consideration, including asking the Scottish Government to consider equal regulation of the whole substance use services and treatment sector.
DDC chairman Robert Peat said: ‘I believe we have completed a robust analysis, and our report has 16 challenging recommendations to address.
‘In so doing, we feel that the situation in Dundee can be turned around and that there will be a reduction in the number of drug-related deaths in the city.’ Dundee City Council leader John Alexander said the report could prove to be a ‘turning point’ for the city.
NHS Tayside chief executive Grant Archibald said: ‘We need a new approach to care and support which connects all of the organisations involved in a more co-ordinated way, one which puts individuals and communities at the centre of shaping services for the future.’
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: ‘I want to thank the commission for their continued work, which is not only important for Dundee but also has relevance across Scotland.
‘We will consider the recommendations for Government carefully and work with partners to implement them.’