This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . The next check for changes will be

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c23vxgmn83eo

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
First UK drug consumption room to open this month First UK drug consumption room to open this month
(about 4 hours later)
The facility, known as the Thistle, will open on 13 JanuaryThe facility, known as the Thistle, will open on 13 January
The UK's first official consumption room for illegal drugs including heroin and cocaine will open in Glasgow later this month.The UK's first official consumption room for illegal drugs including heroin and cocaine will open in Glasgow later this month.
As of 13 January, the Safer Drugs Consumption Facility on Hunter Street will allow people to take substances under the supervision of clinicians.As of 13 January, the Safer Drugs Consumption Facility on Hunter Street will allow people to take substances under the supervision of clinicians.
It had been due to open in October but was pushed back while checks were carried out on the building's water and ventilation systems.It had been due to open in October but was pushed back while checks were carried out on the building's water and ventilation systems.
The facility - known as the Thistle - will accommodate up to 30 service users at a time, 365 days a year from 09:00 until 21:00.The facility - known as the Thistle - will accommodate up to 30 service users at a time, 365 days a year from 09:00 until 21:00.
The service is designed to reduce fatal and non-fatal overdoses by providing a safe and clean place for people to use drugs. It is hoped the east-end facility will also help people get further support to tackle their addiction.The service is designed to reduce fatal and non-fatal overdoses by providing a safe and clean place for people to use drugs. It is hoped the east-end facility will also help people get further support to tackle their addiction.
'Make a difference' 'Save lives'
Health Secretary Neil Gray said the Scottish government was providing £2.3m towards the new facility, adding: "Evidence from over 100 facilities worldwide tells us it will save lives."
Councillor Allan Casey, convener for addiction services at Glasgow City Council, said he was "delighted".Councillor Allan Casey, convener for addiction services at Glasgow City Council, said he was "delighted".
"We have been pushing for a safer drug consumption facility for some time," he said."We have been pushing for a safer drug consumption facility for some time," he said.
"It's a welcome relief to know we can finally have people in to access the service and support available within the Thistle."It's a welcome relief to know we can finally have people in to access the service and support available within the Thistle.
"We know from all the other safer drug consumption rooms in operation across the world that they do make a difference."
While the idea of a drugs consumption room was first proposed in 2016 following an HIV outbreak in the city, its development was embroiled in years of political wrangling between the Scottish and UK governments.While the idea of a drugs consumption room was first proposed in 2016 following an HIV outbreak in the city, its development was embroiled in years of political wrangling between the Scottish and UK governments.
It was given the green light by Glasgow City Council in September 2023 with the backing of the Scottish government.It was given the green light by Glasgow City Council in September 2023 with the backing of the Scottish government.
The pilot scheme aims to tackle Scotland's drugs deaths crisis, which cause more deaths per head than anywhere else in Europe.The pilot scheme aims to tackle Scotland's drugs deaths crisis, which cause more deaths per head than anywhere else in Europe.
Figures for 2023 revealed that 1,172 people died from drug misuse - up 121 on the previous 12 months, representing a 12% increase.Figures for 2023 revealed that 1,172 people died from drug misuse - up 121 on the previous 12 months, representing a 12% increase.