UK's first drug consumption room in Glasgow used more than 130 times in first week

The UK’s first drug consumption facility in Glasgow was used more than 130 times during its first seven days in operation.

The £2.3m Safer Drugs Consumption Facility, known as The Thistle, allows drug users to take illegal substances under medical supervision.

The site opened on January 13 and has since been utilised 131 times during an “intense” first week.

As well as being able to use the safer injecting facilities, service users were provided with wound care, clean injecting equipment and naloxone as required.

They also used other services available inside, including the shower, laundry and lounge area, while some users have already engaged with housing and drug treatment support.

No medical emergencies were reported.

Cllr Allan Casey, city convener for Addiction Services, commended the staff for their efforts and continued commitment to helping as many people as possible.

He said: “It’s been an intense first week for the team as all eyes are on Glasgow. I am delighted to hear people are making use of all the facilities available at The Thistle.

“We know this is not a silver bullet – but having a facility that is safe, hygienic and medically supervised will go a long way towards reducing drug-related overdoses, injection-related wounds and infections, and the negative impact that injecting outdoors has on local communities.

“It’s a promising start, and I know the team and everyone involved is eager to engage and welcome more people in the weeks and months to come.”

The Thistle is staffed by a multidisciplinary team made up of nurses, psychology, harm reduction workers, social workers, medical staff and admin.

Staff can offer people safer injection techniques, provide harm reduction advice to minimise the risk of overdose and intervene with assistance if a person does overdose.

The Thistle service is open from 9am to 9pm, 365 days of the year.