More than 15 medical emergencies at UK's first drug consumption room

The UK’s first safe drug consumption room has had more than 15 medical emergencies since opening over two months ago.

The facility, known as the Thistle, began operating in Glasgow on January 13 and offers a space where drug users can take illegal substances, such as heroin and cocaine, under medical supervision in a clean and hygienic environment.

The £2.3m facility has been used 1,435 times by 168 people with nursing staff supervising almost 1,000 injections, with people injecting cocaine, heroin or both since opening its doors.

A total of 17 medical emergencies have taken place at the site, all of which have been “managed and resolved”.

Councillor Allan Casey, city convener for addiction services, said: “We are really pleased with how things are going at this early stage. The Thistle is a new service, unique to Scotland. It is reassuring to know how well it’s running and it’s reaching the population it hoped to. The team have saved lives and are helping greater numbers of people than we ever expected to in the first seven weeks of opening.

“There is no denying how much of a difference The Thistle is making to the lives of those using it. Lives have been saved, people who have felt marginalised and distant from support are engaging with staff and the early feedback from service users and wider partners is positive.”

Scotland continues to have the worst rate of drug deaths in Europe, with the latest figures showing 1,172 people died from drug misuse in 2023 – a rise of 12% on the previous year.

With Glasgow one of the worst affected areas, groups in the city have campaigned for years for a safe consumption facility to be established.