Drug related admissions rise in Ayrshire hospitals

New figures show spike in patients for first time since 2018-19

- STEPHEN BARK

Ayrshire 's hospitals saw an increase in the number of drug-related admissions in 2023-24.

Figures published by Public Health Scotland this week revealed the first increase in drug-related hospital stays in the county since 2018-19.

Last year saw a 12.9 per cent increase as 816 admissions were recorded in 2023-24 - up from 723 in 2022-23.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran has said it is “committed” to reducing the harm caused by street drugs and continue to encourage anyone “experiencing problematic drug use or addiction issues” to contact their addiction services.

Drug-related hospital stays peaked in 2018-19 at 1,458 and declined annually over the next four years to reach their lowest level since 2000-01.