Written question WQ85421
- Asked by
- Sarah MurphyLabour
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 12 days
Question
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to having an overdose prevention site in Wales?
Answer
Answered by Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing
The Welsh Government could not currently support an overdose prevention site in Wales. There are issues with these sites and the current criminal law relating to the misuse of drugs. This law is not devolved to Wales and remains a matter for the UK Government.
In Wales, we adopt a harm reduction approach to substance misuse and strongly believe that the best way to tackle the harms it causes is through supporting people into treatment, focusing our efforts on maximising impact in areas within our control. The overall aim of our ‘Substance Misuse Delivery Plan 2019-2022’ continues to be to ensure that people in Wales are aware of the dangers and the impact of substance misuse and to know where they can seek information, help and support.
We continue to work closely with our Substance Misuse Area Planning Boards to ensure everything possible is being done to provide support and treatment quickly and in particular, to reach those not currently in touch with substance misuse services, given all evidence suggests treatment is the most appropriate protective factor.