Edinburgh City Council talks of opening their own Safer Drug Consumption Room

By Archie McFadzean

Edinburgh City Council discusses possibility of opening their own Thistle [Image: Unsplash]

The Thistle, the UK's first safer drug consumption facility, in Glasgow celebrated its anniversary this week. 

Since opening, the facility has been accessed 11,348 times by 575 people (448 men, 127 women) who have registered to use and access services provided within the facility. These services include showers and clothing and referral for treatment and care. 

This achievement has made Edinburgh City Council consider implementing their own safer drug consumption facility.  Edinburgh, like Glasgow, has a serious issue with drug abuse. According to recent data from the National Records of Scotland (NRS), 78 men and 33 women suffered fatal overdoses across the city last year.  There were 111 in 2023, compared to 113 last year and 109 in 2021, up 73 per cent from a decade ago. 

“Each of these 10,000 visits represents an opportunity to reduce harm” [Image: Unsplash]

Councillor Allan Casey, City Convener for Workforce, Homelessness and Addictions, said: "The first year has been very encouraging. People are engaging with the service and trusting it as a safe space. Each of these 10,000 visits represents an opportunity to reduce harm, connect individuals with support, and ultimately save lives.” 

However, since the inception of the Glasgow overdose prevention centre, there has been 16 overdose incidents; one victim had to be treated with Narcan, an anti-overdose drug according to data from ScienceDirect. Staff intervened 636 times to prevent an overdose, and 83% of overdoses were resolved with oxygen administration, without the need for naloxone.   

The Scottish Government has committed to making up to £2.3 million available per year for the development, set up and running of The Thistle service in Glasgow from 2024/25 which will continue to be overseen by Glasgow City Integration Joint Board. 

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said: "The Thistle, which complements other harm-reduction and treatment and recovery services, has had a profound impact in its first year.”