One-stop drugs clinic is first of kind in Scotland

A NEW one-stop centre for people with drugs problems - the first of its kind in Scotland - has opened in Aberdeen city centre.

The Timmermarket Clinic houses up to 30 staff, including doctors, nurses, social workers and rehabilitation workers.

It is part of the Timmermarket Centre with the floors above given over to affordable flats, provided through the Grampian Housing Association.

The centre is a partnership of the association, NHS Grampian and Aberdeen City Council.

Richard Carey, chief executive of NHS Grampian and chairman of the Aberdeen City Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, said: "Aberdeen, like the other cities, has a significant problem with people misusing drugs. I welcome the opening of this new clinic.

"It is the first of its type in Scotland, because it colocates all staff that have the specialist skills to support people with a drugs problem during the early stages of their treatment and rehabilitation.

"Evidence shows that to tackle this problem effectively, joined up, integrated services are required, and that is exactly what the clinic will provide."