UK's first drug consumption room visited more than 1,000 times

The UK’s first safe drug consumption room has been visited more than 1,000 times since opening seven weeks 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 1,067 times by 143 individuals with nursing staff supervising more than 700 injecting episodes, with people injecting cocaine, heroin or both since opening its doors.

A number of “medical emergencies” have occurred at the Hunter Street location in the East End of the city, with the ambulance service being called to assist on a few occasions.

Those who required emergency medical assistance have recovered and been provided with further harm reduction and support from the team.

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.