One death from drug misuse is "too many", health workers in West Lothian said, as they pledged to continue improving access to addiction services.
West Lothian’s Health and Social Care Partnership responded to news of the 32 local drug deaths in the last year by renewing pledges on service development and help available to individuals and families whose lives are blighted by addiction.
The HSCP works with the NHS and Third Sector agencies to provide a range of services targeted at drug and alcohol addiction.
READ MORE: West Lothian drug deaths second highest in Lothians last year, new figures show
A spokesperson for West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) said: “We would like to extend our sincerest sympathies to any West Lothian families mourning the death of a loved one.
“Drug-related deaths in West Lothian and across Scotland continue to be too high and we recognise that each person noted within these published statistics was a friend, family member and loved one of someone mourning today.
“The number of drug related deaths in West Lothian in 2021 was 32, which is the same as 2020. One drug-related death is too many and we do not take any drug-related deaths lightly.
“In recent years the West Lothian HSCP has increased its effort to reduce drug-related deaths, backed by dedicated Scottish Government funding. By better integrating our Mental Health and Addictions services, delivering new four day a week prescribing clinics, and increasing the number of referrals that can be made into residential rehab, we strive to see a future decrease in drug-related deaths.”
The spokesperson added: “The West Lothian HSCP is also working closely with NHS Lothian to continue to improve the clinical treatment pathways for those that use drugs dependently.
“The long standing and strong links to West Lothian Council’s social work teams and justice services, our Third Sector partners and Police Scotland will continue to support our work in this area.
“Help is available for anyone in West Lothian who requires support to manage their mental health and well-being to ensure the dependent use of drugs is not seen as an option. You can access information on both community and statutory services, self-help materials and information on helplines at www.westspace.org.uk . If you feel you need to speak to someone more urgently contact NHS 24 on ‘111’ where you can access a trained mental health professional through the 24 hour mental health hub.”
Information on the West Lothian Drug and Alcohol Service (WLDAS) can be found here: https://www.wldas.com/
Information on Change Grow Live (CGL) West Lothian can be found here: https://www.changegrowlive.org/recovery-service-west-lothian/info
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