Inverclyde Public Health Alert: Potential drug deaths cluster
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has been made aware of several recent deaths in the Inverclyde area which could potentially be linked to illicit drugs.
A Problem Assessment Group (PAG) made up of experts from across health services has proactively met to assess the situation and to ensure appropriate early action is taken to minimise the risk of further deaths.
Investigations are underway to establish the cause of these deaths. However, in the meantime, we would encourage anyone who either uses or knows someone who uses drugs illicitly to be particularly vigilant and cautious of overdose risks.
The following harm reduction advice should be provided to those who use illegal drugs:
- Use only prescribed medications and if you use illicit drugs then use no more drugs than necessary.
- Be extremely cautious of unidentified tablets or drugs that seem stronger than usual.
- Do not use alone and have someone with you for a few hours after use.
- Ensure Naloxone is available wherever you or others are using opiates such as heroin or methadone.
- If you do experience an effect that is stronger than normal please let your local drug service know.
- Seek support from local services: Inverclyde Drug Services - 01475 715 353
A spokesperson for Inverclyde HSPC said: “While the cause of these deaths have not yet been established, we would nonetheless like to remind everyone who uses illicit drugs and their friends and families of the measures they can take to minimise the risk of drug deaths or overdoses. We would urge anyone who knows someone who takes illicit drugs to pass the message on to them to be extremely cautious and to follow this advice.
“We are engaging directly with the community through our established networks within Inverclyde and through our partner organisations. We will continue to work closely with those groups in Inverclyde and across Greater Glasgow and Clyde to ensure we’re able to care for people within this vulnerable community.”
There are a number of ways people who use drugs illegally can engage with health services in order to access appropriate treatment and support.
Within Inverclyde in the first instance, they can contact their local GP, or:
Inverclyde Alcohol & Drug Recovery Service
The Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service will accept self-referrals and referrals from GP, social worker and other agencies. Access to these services is obtained by having an assessment of need carried out. This assessment of need identifies the appropriate service to be delivered.
If you require any support please contact the Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service at:
Wellpark Centre
30 Regent Street
Greenock
PA15 4PB
Tel: 01475 715353
Needle Exchange
The harm reduction service offers a range of services including: Needle Exchange, Blood Bourne Virus information and testing. Pregnancy Testing, Wound Care etc
Referral:- There is open access to all our services, All clinics are drop in, but appointments can also be made using the numbers below.
Needle Exchange
Wellpark Centre
Greenock,
PA14 5PB
Telephone:- 01475 715353
Clinic Opening Times - Mon, Tues, Thurs , 1pm-3pm
Naloxone Information is also available at the Wellpark Centre
Moving On Inverclyde
Contact:
Moving On Inverclyde
Kingston House
3 Jamaica Street
Greenock
PA15 1XX
Telephone:01475 735200
Mobile:07767167388
Email: contact@movingoninverclyde.co.uk
www.movingoninverclyde.co.uk
Your Voice Peer Support Groups / Recovery Development Coordinator
Your Voice, 12 Clyde Square, Greenock
Telephone: 01475 728628
Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs (SFAD)
Email: inverclydefss@sfad.org.uk or daryl@sfad.org.uk
Phone: 08081 101011 or 07554686672
Online Referral Portal: https://www.sfad.org.uk/professionals/referral