Scotland’s first safer drug consumption facility – The Thistle – has seen 143 individuals make use of the facility 1067 times since opening on Monday 13 January.

In its first seven weeks of opening, The Thistle has been used 1067 times by 143 individuals (Monday 13 January up to close of play Sunday 2 March).

Nursing staff within the Using Space have supervised more than 700 injecting episodes, with people injecting cocaine, heroin or both.

A number of medical emergencies have been managed in the service, with support from the Scottish Ambulance Service required on some of these occasions. People using the service who experienced a medical emergency have recovered and been provided with further harm reduction and support from the team.

Cllr Allan Casey, City Convener for Addiction Services, said: “We are really pleased with how things are going at this early stage.  The Thistle is a new service, unique to Scotland. It is reassuring to know how well it’s running and it’s reaching the population it hoped to. The team have saved lives and are helping greater numbers of people than we ever expected to in the first seven weeks of opening.

“There is no denying how much of a difference The Thistle is making to the lives of those using it. Lives have been saved, people who have felt marginalised and distant from support are engaging with staff and the early feedback from service users and wider partners is positive.”

The Thistle’s multi-disciplinary team have provided additional support to most of the people attending, including blood borne virus testing, accommodation needs and engagement with drug treatment and care. Wound care is the most frequent intervention on site. The shower, laundry and access to fresh clothes have also been well utilised.

Further updates on The Thistle will be provided to Glasgow’s Integration Joint Board in due course. An independent evaluation is also underway.

The Thistle is open 365 days a year, from 9am - 9pm.