Drugs taskforce gets new leader

A FORMER police chief who led a review into mental health services in Tayside has been appointed to lead the Scottish Government’s drug deaths taskforce.

Dr David Strang, pictured, will take up the role following the resignation of Professor Catriona Matheson last month.

Professor Matheson quit as chairwoman in December and said she was not prepared to do a “rushed job” after the group was ordered to submit its conclusions six months early.

The expert also levelled personal criticism at SNP drug policy minister, Angela Constance, who she said had attended just two taskforce meetings.

Dr Strang’s report into mental health services in Tayside revealed a catalogue of problems and called for a redesign of services based on respect.

Campaigners hope he can bring a similarly steely-eyed approach to tackling drug deaths.

Dr Strang said: “The drug deaths taskforce is making a significant contribution to improving Scotland’s response to drug deaths and how they can be prevented. I am keen to enable the taskforce to continue this important work.”

The review led by Dr Strang into mental health services was part of efforts to repair a “breakdown of trust” and provided the first official recognition of many problems service users and their families had been highlighting for years.

North East Labour MSP Michael Marra said: “David

Strang’s appointment comes at a crucial time in the work to tackle Scotland’s drug death epidemic.

“He will have observed the lack of co-operation between mental health and substance misuse services closely, and that will stand him in good stead as this remains a national priority.

“Unfortunately, he also brings experience of services which resist rather than embrace change.

“That will also be vital.”

Drug policy minister Angela Constance said she is “pleased” with the appointment and pointed to Dr Strang’s experience.

Ms Constance confirmed she has asked the taskforce to accelerate its final recommendations and aims to get those this summer.

Meanwhile, ministers say they have made the first step towards developing a new proposal for how safer drug consumption rooms might work within existing legislation.

Ms Constance said: “A new service proposal in Glasgow has been provided, and we are continuing to work closely with the Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership, the police and Crown Office to ensure we have a sustainable approach that is clinically and legally safe for staff and those using it.

“We are serious about this commitment as we know these facilities have a strong evidence base in saving lives and helping some of our most vulnerable people.”