Health chiefs issue warning following drug overdoses

Health chiefs have taken the unusual step of issuing a message to drug users following a number of recent drug overdoses in Shetland and a suspected drugs death last week.

Director of public health Sarah Taylor said she particularly wanted to warn drugs users against mixing drugs and alcohol.

Dr Taylor said: “There are health risks relating to the use of many illegal drugs (and legal drugs used recreationally) and I want to highlight in particular the dangers of mixing drugs, and of combining drugs and alcohol. People may put their lives at risk and it is part of my job to try and reduce the harm that can be caused by drugs and alcohol.

“We have good support services locally and we would urge people to ask for help in dealing with drug or alcohol problems. In an emergency, getting a quick response can make all the difference so if someone is very ill or unconscious, people are advised to contact the emergency services via 999.

“I am issuing this public health request with the support of the Shetland Police and colleagues in the Community Alcohol and Drugs Services Shetland.”

Dr Taylor said she knew of five incidents recently in which the emergency services had been called out or which had led to hospital admission. She said she could not comment on a sudden death last week which is still under investigation.