A DRUG consumption facility in Glasgow has welcomed over 100 people during its first week of operation.
Named The Thistle, the facility opened on January 13 and has since seen 131 individuals attend in one week only.
Councillor Allan Casey, city convener for Addiction Services praised the staff for their successful week and efforts to help as many people as possible.
“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,” said Casey.
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 utilised the wider services available inside including the shower, laundry and lounge area. Some service users have already engaged with housing and drug treatment support.
There were no medical emergencies resulting from drug use within the facility.
People who came to The Thistle were able to the safer injecting facilities and had access to wound care, clean injecting equipment and naloxone as required, the shower, laundry and lounge area.
The Thistle is composed of nurses, psychology, harm reduction workers, social workers, medical staff and admin.
Staff are formed to offer safer injection techniques to reduce the risk of overdose and intervene with assistance if a person needs help.
Some service users have already engaged with housing and drug treatment support.
No medical emergencies were reported during the first week of the infrastructure.
"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,” said Casey.
“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,” he added.
The Thistle is open from 9am to 9pm and is located at 55 Hunter Street in Glasgow.
