Failing national drugs policy behind rising death toll, say experts We must learn lessons from our failing drugs policy in England, experts have warned in The BMJ this morning. They argue in theireditorial* that the current situation is a public health and primary care emergency. They call for better support for GPs looking after an ageing cohort of opiate users, better commissioning of services and more coordinated work between the NHS and local authorities.
Office for National Statistics figures published last month showed that, between 2012 and 2015, total drug-related deaths in England and Wales increased by 65.7% and opioid-related deaths by 107%. Professor John Middleton, president of the Faculty of Public Health, and co-authors pointed out that actual mortality associated with drug use is even higher, as these figures exclude deaths from bloodborne viruses and other conditions related to use of illegal drugs. OnMedica
Office for National Statistics figures published last month showed that, between 2012 and 2015, total drug-related deaths in England and Wales increased by 65.7% and opioid-related deaths by 107%. Professor John Middleton, president of the Faculty of Public Health, and co-authors pointed out that actual mortality associated with drug use is even higher, as these figures exclude deaths from bloodborne viruses and other conditions related to use of illegal drugs. OnMedica
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