THE number of drug deaths each year in the Borders has doubled, as health chiefs warn of “another year where we sadly lose another significant number of people”.

Over the last eight years, the five-year average of drug deaths has been steadily rising, from an average of 5.4 deaths a year between 2011-2015, to 11.2 between 2014-18.

There is some indication that the number of yearly deaths has risen even further, as in 2018 alone there were 21 drug deaths in the region. There is no data for 2019. 

A Public Health report, presented to the Borders Health and Social Care Integration Joint Board, reads: “Significant concern has been raised locally and nationally about the increase in drug-related deaths and the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (ADP) is keen to report on local work to reduce deaths. 

“Scotland’s drug-related deaths have continued to increase and reached 1,187 in 2018, the highest number ever recorded and a 27 per cent increase on 2017 figures. 

“In the Scottish Borders the trend over time is increasing and reflects the national picture. 

“Every death is a tragedy and impacts on families and friends.”

The report estimates that in 2015/16 there were around 510 ‘problem drug users’ in the Borders, a number which could have increased in line with the rise in drug deaths. 

The Alcohol and Drugs Partnership has supplied 75 per cent of the Borders’ problem drug users with naloxone, a medication which blocks the effects of opiates – such as heroin or codeine – in case of an overdose.

The report indicates the naloxone supply will be rolled out to mental health settings in the future. 

The reports continues: “In 2018, in response to the concerning higher numbers of deaths, a specific group was set up in response to the increase in deaths in the Borders to allow a closer look at service responses. 

“Actions arising from the group were as follows: review of risk assessments, review of potential barriers to accessing services and an audit of adult concern forms. No apparent ‘missed opportunities’ or areas of concern were noted.

“At the time of writing, the data for 2019 was not available. This is due to a delay in national toxicology processes which are outwith local control. 

“However, based on local intelligence we expect another year where we sadly lose another significant number of people. 

“In our last strategy we highlighted the actions we would take to reduce drug-related deaths.

“We have taken the following actions forward since the last strategy: the local naloxone co-ordinator provides overdose prevention training within the ADP Workforce Directory and also offers a bespoke service; participants in all ADP training and events are provided with a drugs deaths briefing which outlines risk factors and circumstances for drug deaths; provision of take home naloxone has been extended to Addaction, pharmacies providing injecting equipment and Accident and Emergency. 

“Funding has also been agreed for ensuring all community pharmacies have access to naloxone for use in an emergency situation, and alcohol and drug services make proactive contact with families who have been bereaved by drugs deaths.”