Drug deaths
Action needed over 82 lives lost
Drug deaths in the NHS Ayrshire and Arran area have skyrocketed by a staggering 34 per cent in just one year, a report shows.
A total of 82 people were involved in drug- related deaths in 2018- well up on the 2017 figure of 61.
Drug deaths in the NHS Ayrshire and Arran area has skyrocketed skyro a staggering 34 per cent in just o one year, a report shows. show
A total of 82 pe people were involved in dru drug- related deaths in 2018- w well up on the 2017 figure o of 61. The figures, re released by the National Records R of Scotland, show t there were 1,187 drug- relat related deaths registered in Sc Scotland in 2018, the largest larges number ever recorded.
The figures, described as “shocking” an and “deeply disturbing” al also reveal that Ayrshire and a Arran has the 6th wo worst drugrelated related death statistics in Scotland.
Now calls h have been made for a cross- cr party solution to the th crisis. MP for Ayr, Ay Carrick and Cumnock, Cumn Bill Grant, said: sai “The figures are shocking, s the highes highest in the European Union. 213 people in S Scotland d die per 1 million of the pop population. “In the UK as a whole, that figure is 74!
“But the answer answ is not for Holyrood to point the finger at the Westminster We Government Government, as the Scottish Govern Government has been in charge of health for f neighon on 12 years.” ye Mr Grant said he would be “open” to a cross- party approach in order to find a solution.
He continued: “These statistics are a tragedy for the mums and dads and the siblings. And my own family has not been unscathed by it in recent years.
“I’d welcome a cross party consensus but we need proper support in place so that when these victims put their hand out, there is someone there to take it.”
He added: “We have a dark history in Ayr with Hangar 13, where three people died ( from drug- related deaths.)
“We need better rehab and an over arching solution. What we don’t need is a blame game.”
South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said: “Drug related deaths across Ayrshire have tragically been increasing over the last decade, but a 34 per cent increase in just one year is deeply disturbing.
“Behind these figures are devastated mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters who have lost a loved one. It is clear that the Scottish Government’s Drug Strategy just isn’t working and it is time the Scottish Government use every power available to them to tackle Scotland’s drug problem. That means looking at new approaches, investing in services and ditching the failing status quo.”
Public Heath Minister Joe Fitz-Patrick said: “The number of people who have lost their lives because of drug use is shocking.
“It is vital this tragedy is treated as a public health issue, and we are prepared to take innovative and bold measures in order to save the lives of those most at risk.
“Last week, I gave evidence to the Scottish Affairs Committee and I asked for help in persuading the UK Government to either act now to enable us to implement a range of public health focused responses - including the introduction of supervised drug consumption facilities - or devolve the power to the Scottish Parliament so that we can act.
“I want to ensure that the work of the new taskforce which I have established is driven by strong evidence and the voices of those with experience of using drugs, and their families, are heard. I am determined to shape our services in every walk of life to prevent harm and reduce the appalling number of deaths.
“So I will give consideration to any proposals they bring forward which may help to tackle this issue and, ultimately, save lives.”
South Scotland MSP Brian Whittle said: “The Scottish Government’s policies are failing people across Scotland affected by drug abuse.
“For far too long, too many addicts trying to come off heroin have been parked on methadone and not given the support they need to quit. Now we are seeing the consequence of that failure.
“Ultimately, the best way to prevent drug deaths is to prevent drug addiction by finding ways to eliminate the paths that lead to drug taking through greater education and access to opportunity.”