MSP warns that a new approach is needed on drugs
A Highlands and Islands MSP has warned that a new approach is required to combat the area’s drugs problem.
The comments by Scottish Conservative Jamie Halcro Johnston follow a rise in the number of drug-related hospital admissions in the NHS Grampian region, which includes Moray.
Mr Halcro Johnston said: “Drugs ruin lives. Whether that’s from the use of drugs or from the impact of the criminality and anti-social behaviour which are often related with the use or dealing of illegal drugs.
“Far too often, it’s then the NHS which has to pick up the pieces which, given all the other challenges facing NHS staff in our area, is unacceptable.
“After a decline from a peak in 2009, it’s concerning that, in the last three years, we have seen an upward trend in drug-related hospital admissions in the NHS Grampian area, and area which includes Moray in my Highlands and Islands region.
“There is a clear need for the SNP government to develop a new approach to dealing with drugs; one which prevents more lives being broken by their use and ever greater pressure being placed on our NHS.”
