Latest news with #PublicHealthScotland
BBC News
5 minutes ago
- Health
- BBC News
Health experts issue new warning over synthetic drugs
Health experts have issued a new warning over synthetic drugs which could explain a sharp rise in suspected drug deaths. An update from Public Health Scotland (PHS) revealed there were 312 suspected drug-related fatalities between March and May, a 15% rise on the previous quarter. The latest Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response report said potent synthetic opioids known a nitazenes were increasingly mixed with other drugs such as heroin. Nitazenes were found to be present in 6% of all deaths and one expert said the figure was probably an "underestimate" because of issues with testing. Nitazene-type opioids are often found in drugs sold as heroin, benzodiazepines and oxycodone and have been in Scotland since report noted an increase in reports of heroin overdoses in recent months, suspected to involve these synthetic opioids. As well as a rise in suspected deaths, there was a 45% increase in the administration of naloxone, which is used as an emergency antidote for opioid overdoses. Attendances at hospital emergency departments also rose by 19%. Toxic combinations Dr Tara Shivaji, consultant in public health medicine at PHS, said: "There are complex reasons for the increase in harms we're seeing. "Scotland has an evolving drug supply, which is often contaminated with toxic substances. "Most of the harm also involves the use of more than one substance. We urge caution to all people who use drugs. There's no way of telling which substances may be contaminated or what the combined effects will be."Scotland continues to have a far higher rate of recorded drugs deaths than other European nations, including other parts of the suspected drug death data is based on police reports and is different to the finalised annual figures published annually by National Records of Scotland (NRS). The most recent NRS figures showed there were 1,172 drug misuse deaths in Scotland in 2023,an increase of 121 compared with 2022 which had seen the first fall in fatalities in several years. A new set of official NRS statistics is due to be published in September.
Daily Record
14 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Super-strength drugs fuelling new wave of Scottish overdose deaths
Nitazenes - up to 500 times stronger than heroin - now found all over Scotland, contaminating all kinds of drugs, as death rate soars Health chiefs are calling for the urgent creation of drug checking services as a wave of new drugs wreak havoc on Scotland's streets. Public Health Scotland believes our shameful drug death rate, which had improved in recent years, could be set to explode again as synthetic and deadly nitazenes contaminate the market. The opiates can be 500 times as strong as heroin and are being seen in more and more deaths. But experts believe the true toll of harm is being drastically underestimated because of the rapid way the new drugs leave the bodies of those who have died of overdoses. Dr Tara Shivaji, authored the Consultant in Public Health Medicine, authored the latest Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response (RADAR) quarterly report, which detailed a devastating 15% rise in drug deaths from March to May this year. The data shows a 'rapidly evolving, toxic and unpredictable drug supply', with more overdose deaths and a big shift towards nitazenes - which are now contaminating the supply of many different drugs. Dr Shivaji said Scotland needs to wake up to the 'global challenge' that super strength synthetic drugs pose and to out in place checking stations. She said: 'Where drugs are checked, most drugs will contain more than what they're sold to be. It's it's really difficult for people to know what, what's in the substances that they're taking. 'It's therefore difficult for services to then support them. 'As it stands, when we see increases in harm and we think there's something new being introduced into a local drug supply, we're just not able to confirm that. And so that means what we can do is really quite limited. 'The evidence from areas with drug checking is that people can get their substances checked and make a choice and take much more proactive, much more targeted harm reduction action. 'But it also makes a difference at the community level, where the availability of this intelligence changes the market and reduces the risks, and that's been demonstrated in Canada, and that's really part of why we are advocating for drug checking.' Dr Shivaji said she could not rule out a new record in overdose deaths happening, despite many thousands of deaths already in Scotland. Although nitazenes have been found in just six per cent of death in the first quarter of 2025, Dr Shivaji said this is likely to be a gross underestimate. She said: 'We aren't scientifically sure about the stability of nitazenes and our toxicology colleagues tell us that it's possible that if the body has lain for a while and blood samples are taken after a prolonged period, the nitazines might not be detected. 'The other concern they have is about the potency, as it doesn't take very much to cause an overdose, and therefore it can be more difficult to detect when you're looking for that in a in a sample. 'So we are likely to be presenting an underestimate of the impact.' Dr Shivaji said that in 2022, when nitazenes first appeared, they were localised - but they are now found all over Scotland and in all kinds of drugs. She said: 'We found it in heroin, we found it in street benzodiazepines and we're also finding it in fake pharma.' One major concern that has come to light is the finding of heroin in cocaine - meaning a massive risk of overdose for users who have not built any tolerance to opiates. And another new threat has emerged through the way the opiate antidote drug Naloxone is being dulled by the presence of nitazenes. Dr Shivaji said: 'Naloxone does work but we are hearing more and more of how it takes several shots to take effect, in some cases up to ten to get an overdose victim to come round.' The RADAR report gathers together results of hospital toxicology tests and the accounts of drug users to paint a picture of the changing drugs landscape in Scotland. The quarterly report is published more than two months after the reporting period ends - and the current situation means news drugs may already be rife by the time the first warnings are issued. The SNP has been accused of failing to address the drug death crisis as the latest report shows drug deaths rose by 15% between March and May this year. An earlier report showed that suspected drug deaths rose by a third in the first three months of this year. After drops in the last three years, many fear Scotland could be heading for even worse numbers than the 1,339 deaths of 2020. We are currently the worst overdose nation in Europe by miles - more than three times as bad as Ireland, in second place. Scotland's Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said: 'We are working hard to respond to the growing threat from polydrug use, including 'street benzos' and cocaine, and from highly dangerous synthetic opioids like nitazenes. 'These synthetic drugs can be hundreds of times more potent than heroin and can increase the risk of overdose, hospitalisation and death. Because of their strength I would urge people to carry extra life-saving naloxone kits.'
Daily Record
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Record
How GPs can help ensure at-home cervical cancer tests are actually used
DIY smear tests are set to be sent to women from January in a bid to increase the number of people getting cervical screenings. Cancer is a cruel disease that does not discriminate and affects not only the patient but also their loved ones. Around six women in Scotland are diagnosed with cervical cancer every week, according to Public Health Scotland. Cervical screening is the best protection against cervical cancer and at-home kits will be offered to women who have rarely or have never attended theirs from January. There are fears that these DIY cervical cancer tests won't be used as much as hoped. But a study has suggested that the uptake is likely to be better if the kits are offered by a GP during a routine appointment. The upcoming tests, which can be performed at home, look for the human papillomavirus (HPV). This is the virus which is linked to the majority of cases of cervical cancer. So how can GPs help ensure at-home cervical cancer tests are actually used? A new study from Queen Mary University of London and King's College London examined the best ways women can be approached about performing the tests themselves at home by looking at 13 GP surgeries in west London. They found that under-screened women were more likely to take up the offer of a self-sample test if they were approached when they were visiting a GP for another reason. Fewer tests were returned when under-screened women were sent a test in the post, or were sent a letter inviting them to get a self-sampling kit. "The uptake of self-sampling was by far the highest among women who were opportunistically offered kits in primary care," the researchers wrote in the journal eClinicalMedicine. But the researchers said that more work was needed to ensure women who took up the offer returned their sample. They suggested that text or phone reminders "could be valuable". Of 449 women opportunistically offered a self-sample kit, 74 per cent accepted the offer and 52 per cent returned a sample within six months. Meanwhile, 198 of the 1,616 women sent a kit in the post (12%) and 76 of the 1,587 women sent a letter inviting them to order a kit (5%) returned a self-sample within six months. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Professor Peter Sasieni from Queen Mary University of London, said offering a self-sample kit in person "was the most effective method of encouraging women to complete their cervical cancer screening tests." However, a "combination of approaches may be best for enabling more women to participate in cervical screening". The NHS offers cervical screening tests - also known as smear tests - to all women aged 25-64 every three years. But many people do not take up the offer, with a number citing a lack of time, discomfort or embarrassment. Data published by the NHS last November showed five million women are not up to date with routine check-ups.
STV News
a day ago
- Health
- STV News
Suspected drug deaths rise by 15% amid emergence of new illegal substances
Suspected drug deaths in Scotland have risen by 15% over the last quarter amid the emergence of new illegal substances, according to the latest quarterly RADAR report. The figures, published by Public Health Scotland, show an increased level of drug-related harm across the country compared to the previous quarter. Naloxone administration incidents rose by 45% and emergency department attendances related to drug use increased by 19%. During the period between March and May, suspected drug deaths were 15% higher than the first quarter and 7% more than the same period in 2024. The PHS believes the findings highlight the 'persistently high levels of drug-related harm in Scotland and the serious impact of a rapidly evolving, toxic and unpredictable drug supply'. Nitazene-type opioids, which were first detected in Scotland in 2022, were present in 6% of all deaths in the first quarter of 2025. Dr Tara Shivaji, consultant in Public Health Medicine at PHS said: 'Our most recent data shows that the unregulated drugs market in Scotland is continuing to have a devastating effect on people who use drugs and their communities. The recent trends in increasing drug-related harms are deeply concerning, and it's vital that the response continues to be prioritised in order to protect lives. 'There are complex reasons for the increase in harms we're seeing. Scotland has an evolving drug supply, which is often contaminated with toxic substances. Most of the harm also involves the use of more than one substance. We urge caution to all people who use drugs – there's no way of telling which substances may be contaminated or what the combined effects will be. Having someone who can help in an emergency is an important harm reduction measure, but there's no safe way to take these substances. 'PHS, through RADAR, has worked with a range of partners since March to identify the increase in drug harms, and to help coordinate the system-wide response. It's imperative that our collective efforts continue and our thanks go to the various organisations and people in frontline and supporting roles who provide us with critical information.' Director of public health for NHS Dumfries and Galloway, Valerie White, believes the country's relationship with drugs can change if 'deep-rooted' issues are tackled. Speaking on behalf of the Scottish Directors of Public Health, she said: 'The latest RADAR report highlights the continued need for a system-wide approach to preventing drug harms – one that ensures people can access the harm reduction, treatment, care, and recovery support they need, when they need it. 'By tackling the deep-rooted social and health inequalities that drive drug-related harm, we believe that Scotland's relationship with drugs can change. 'To address these inequalities, a coordinated, multiagency response from more than drug services is required. Sectors such as housing, education, and welfare all play hugely important roles in tackling drug harms as part of a public health approach.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
'Deeply alarming' cervical screening uptake in Scotland
In June it was reported that an 'error' led to some women being wrongly removed from the Cervical Screening Programme. There were a small number (fewer than five) of cases where individuals with cervical cancer had been wrongly excluded from the programme and a wider review identified errors which meant some women who have had a partial hysterectomy had potentially been wrongly excluded. Smear tests are offered to women aged between 25 and 64 years and Scotland's cervical screening programme has to meet both coverage and uptake thresholds of 80%. However, the latest report published by Public Health Scotland today revealed that both have not met this target. It also highlights that those in younger age groups and those in the most deprived areas are least likely to take up their cervical screening invitation. A total of 4 in 10 cervical cancers are detected through screening among women who are eligible for it. READ MORE: Women wait several months for key cervical cancer checks NHS health board admits 'no competence' in later abortion care Woman in 'debilitating' pain as gynaecology waits in Scotland rise In 2023/24, cervical screening uptake was 51.9%, an increase of 1.4% from 50.5% the previous year. Uptake was lowest among those aged 25-29 years, at 38.2%, but increased with age to a peak of 62.7% at age 45-49 years. Scottish Conservative shadow minister for women's health Annie Wells said: 'Cervical screening is crucially important, so these deeply alarming figures are yet another indicator of the SNP's mismanagement of our health service. 'Whether the dangerously low uptake among women is down to poor public health messaging or the well-documented blunders that saw women wrongly removed from the screening programme, it must be reversed. 'Given the SNP's appalling record on cancer treatment times, it's imperative that women with cervical cancer are diagnosed as early as possible – and an effective and comprehensive screening programme is essential to that.' Scottish Labour has said the roll out of DIY cervical cancer tests could be a "game changer" in boosting screenings and tackling inequalities. In England and Wales from January next year, at-home kits will be offered to women who have rarely or have never attended their cervical screening. The Scottish government is still finalising its plans but it is hoped the home tests will initially be offered in deprived areas, where screening rates are lower. Scottish Labour's Women's Health spokesperson Carol Mochan said: 'This damning report shows women are still being failed by this SNP government with potentially life-threatening consequences. 'Women in the poorest communities are paying the harshest price for the SNP's failure to make screenings accessible and convenient. 'Self-sampling could be a game-changer in boosting cervical cancer screening and tackling these shameful inequalities, but the SNP government broke its promise to roll this out. 'A Scottish Labour government will stand up for women's health and make cancer screenings as accessible as possible so people can get the urgent, lifesaving care they need.' In previous Public Health Scotland publications, the terms 'coverage' and 'uptake' were used interchangeably, while the measure reported was always coverage. In today's report, however, an additional, distinct measure of 'uptake' is also provided. This is the percentage of those invited for screening who have had a cervical screening test within six months of their invitation or reminder letter. Coverage is the percentage of the target population eligible for screening at a given point in time who have had a cervical screening encounter within the past 3.5 or 5.5 years (depending on their age group). The cervical cancer screening programme achieved 63.3% coverage in the financial year 2023/24 compared with a target performance threshold of 80%. Coverage was lower in the most deprived areas at 56.5%, compared with 67.7% in the least deprived areas, a difference of more than 11 percentage points. David Morrison, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at PHS and Director of the Scottish Cancer Registry said: 'This report clearly shows that not everyone eligible for cervical screening in Scotland is benefiting from it. "Cervical screening aims to prevent cancer in the first place by treating abnormal changes in the cervix before they ever become cancer. If you're invited, please take up the offer of cervical screening. If you're worried about having the test, talk to your GP or practice nurse about your concerns - there are ways to make it easier, so don't put it off.' Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women aged 25 to 35 years of age in Scotland, with around six women diagnosed with the disease every week. Cervical screening, also known as a smear test, is a quick test to look at a sample of cells from the cervix (neck of the womb). The sample is checked for human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to changes to the cells in the cervix and causes over 99% of cervical cancers. Scotland introduced a new smear test that screened for HPV in 2020 in order to more effectively identify those at risk of developing cervical cancer. Together with the HPV vaccine, which is offered to all young people in S1, Public Health Scotland has said it is possible to eliminate cervical cancer in the future. The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
