Glasgow Launches UK's First Safer Drug Consumption Facility
In a landmark move, Glasgow is set to open the UK’s first safer drug consumption facility (SDCF) on Monday, 13 January. Known as The Thistle, the facility is housed in the Hunter Street Health and Care Centre and will operate daily from 9am to 9pm, year-round.
This initiative represents a significant step in addressing Scotland’s drug crisis, offering individuals struggling with addiction a safe, clean environment to inject their own drugs under clinical supervision. Importantly, drugs will not be sold or provided on-site.
Safer drug consumption facilities have been operating successfully in cities worldwide for decades, with evidence demonstrating their effectiveness in reducing drug-related deaths, combating the spread of diseases such as HIV, and minimising public health risks.
In Glasgow, the need for such a facility became urgent following a major HIV outbreak in 2016 linked to public injecting. A report on the outbreak, Taking Away the Chaos, recommended establishing an SDCF to meet the needs of the city’s estimated 400-500 people who inject drugs daily in public spaces.
Councillor Allan Casey, City Convener for Workforce, Homelessness and Addiction Services, emphasised the potential impact of The Thistle:
"Having a facility that is safe, hygienic, and medically supervised will go a long way towards reducing drug-related overdoses, injection-related wounds and infections, and the negative impact that injecting outdoors has on local residents, communities, and businesses."
The Thistle is designed to provide a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment. Its facilities include:
Reception and Waiting Areas: Welcoming users and providing opportunities to discuss their needs with trained staff.
Injection Booths: Eight individual booths, including two that are wheelchair-accessible, where users can safely inject drugs under supervision.
Post-Injection Recovery Area: A space for individuals to recover after using, with trained staff on hand to assist.
Healthcare and Support Services: Two health rooms offering wound care, bloodborne virus (BBV) testing, and other treatments.
Aftercare Lounge: A space for users to engage with healthcare support staff, including those with lived experience, and connect with various support organisations.
The facility’s design was shaped through consultation with individuals who have lived or living experience of drug use. Their input has ensured that The Thistle meets the needs of its target population, creating a space that feels safe, respectful, and trauma-informed.
Lynn MacDonald, Service Manager for The Thistle, highlighted the compassionate approach of the team:
"We have sought to make The Thistle as welcoming as possible and a place where people feel safe and listened to. Staff have undergone significant training in trauma-informed care and are ready to offer a compassionate, person-centred service."
International evidence strongly supports the benefits of SDCFs:
Preventing Overdoses: Immediate clinical supervision allows staff to intervene and save lives in the event of an overdose.
Reducing Disease Transmission: Clean facilities and sterile equipment help combat the spread of infections like HIV and hepatitis.
Supporting Recovery: By offering access to healthcare and social services, SDCFs act as a bridge to long-term recovery for many users.
Improving Public Spaces: Facilities reduce the visibility of public drug use, minimising discarded needles and associated risks.
Saket Priyadarshi, Associate Medical Director for Alcohol and Drug Services, said:
"We have strong evidence from other cities with similar problems that shows an SDCF in Glasgow could help prevent drug deaths, help stem the spread of HIV infection, reduce drug-related litter, and significantly reduce costs in other health and social care services."
The decision to establish The Thistle followed Glasgow’s most extensive engagement exercise ever for a new service. The Scottish Government has committed up to £2.3 million annually to support its development and operation.
Community engagement will continue as the facility operates, ensuring that the local area and its residents remain informed and involved. Evaluation of The Thistle will focus on key metrics such as litter levels, needle disposal, anti-social behaviour, and crime.
Councillor Casey remains optimistic:
"We know there are mixed views about having an SDCF, but I am confident we will see the benefits very quickly."
Scotland continues to face one of the highest drug-related death rates in Europe. The Thistle marks a bold and proactive approach to addressing this crisis, offering a practical and humane solution to a complex problem.
While the facility is not a silver bullet, it represents a significant shift towards evidence-based harm reduction strategies. By providing a safe space and access to support, The Thistle aims to improve lives, save lives, and create healthier communities in Glasgow.
As the doors open on 13 January, The Thistle will stand as a testament to Glasgow’s commitment to addressing the drug crisis with compassion, innovation, and determination.
