Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, recently launched a report titled Non-Fatal Overdose: A Decade-Long Analysis of Inner City Hospitals and Nationwide Trends Across Ireland (2011- 2021), authored by researchers in Trinity College Dublin.
The research was commissioned by the Government-established North East Inner City (NEIC) Initiative, which is chaired by Mr Jim Gavin. It analyses the circumstances of 786 overdoses in two Dublin hospitals over a 10-year period. The research provides additional new evidence to better understand the factors linked to drug overdoses.
The study found that Dublin’s inner city remains a hotspot for non-fatal drug overdose, driven by socio-economic challenges, limited access to long-term supports, and the high prevalence of opioid use.
The research makes recommendations on access to services, harm reduction strategies, and interventions that can prevent tragic outcomes. The recommendations are timely in light of the development of the new National Drugs Strategy, and will be considered in the formation of policy in this area.
Chair of the North Inner City Dublin Taskforce, Dr Austin O Carroll, added: “There is no recognised health intervention for people who present to health services following a non-fatal overdose. Yet many go on to die subsequently from fatal overdose. This is a tragedy. This research is the first step in helping people who are overdosing to address their addiction and reduce their risk of dying from subsequent fatal overdose.”
Chair of the NEIC initiative Jim Gavin said: “A key driving force for the North East Inner City (NEIC) Initiative since its establishment is to address drug-related harms in the community. It is important that we document these tragic events, understand the circumstances in which they occur and learn how they can be prevented. An important part of our understanding of drug overdose is non-fatal overdose, which serve as an early indicator for possible fatal overdose. Having a national perspective is important because what is happening in Dublin inner city is also relevant across the country.”
