NHS issues advice after increase in drug fatalities

Tragically, there has also been an increase in drug deaths, according to the health board.

 

Highlighting the impact of substance abuse on the whole community – particularly family and friends who have lost or are at risk of losing a loved one – Lynne McNiven, director of public health at NHS Ayrshire and Arran, said: “Our primary interest is to save lives.

 

“We would encourage anyone who has taken any street drug and who has become acutely unwell to call or have someone call 999 straight away.

 

“Our emergency services are there to save lives. Help and advice is also available from family doctors (GPs) or local drug treatment services across Ayrshire.

 

“We would encourage any member of the public who is experiencing problematic drug use or addiction issues to make contact with our Addiction Services teams in East, North and South Ayrshire.”

 

The NHS lists signs of concern for a drug overdose as being unresponsive, or not waking when shaken; snoring or noisy breathing; blue or pale lips and skin; and seizures or fits.

 

Anyone who notices these difficulties should call 999 straight away, stay calm and ask for an ambulance.

 

Give as much information as possible while being honest about what has been taken as this will help the emergency services to give the best care.

 

To respond to concerns about drug use, NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s Public Health Department is cooperating with partners across East, North and South Ayrshire.

 

This includes working with alcohol and drug partnerships, Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) drug treatment teams, Ayrshire division of Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, the emergency departments of University Hospitals Ayr and Crosshouse, and with peer recovery communities.

 

The harms associated with the selling of drugs also impact communities, according to Police Scotland, which says that members of the public can really help with providing information to the police and be assured of complete confidentiality.

 

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police Scotland is determined to protect the public from harmful criminality by disrupting the sale of illegal substances and preventing them from being circulated on the streets of our communities.

 

“Information from the public is crucial to our work and we encourage anyone with information or concerns about drug-related activity in their area to contact Police Scotland on 101.

 

“Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained."

 

Lynne McNiven added: “We remain committed in our collective work to reduce the harm caused by the impact of street drugs and the associated challenges of dependency and addiction across Ayrshire and Arran.”

 

For people with drug dependency or addiction issues, access to treatment, support and care can make a significant difference to reducing the risk of a drug death and help support recovery.

 

Anyone affected or concerned about drug use can find support at www.nhsaaa.net/services/services-a-z/alcohol-and-drug-services/