Richmond supervised injecting room busier than Kings Cross

Victoria’s supervised injecting room has managed more than 1130 overdoses since it first opened last year — scores more overdoses than Sydney’s Kings Cross facility after its opening in 2001.

Victoria’s supervised injecting room is handling hundreds more overdoses than Sydney’s Kings Cross facility when it first opened.

The North Richmond centre has managed more than 1130 overdoses — an average of three a day — between its opening mid-last year and Monday.

Just 424 overdoses were handled at a similar facility in Sydney’s Kings Cross in the 18 months after it opened in 2001.

Injecting room medical ­director Dr Nico Clark said many of the overdoses could have been deadly.

“We are really pleased that the data from our injecting room continues to show that we are treating significant numbers of overdoses, many of which could otherwise have been fatal, or resulted in significant harm,” he said.

The North Richmond supervised injecting centre has managed more than 1130 overdoses since it opened mid-last year. Picture: Jason Edwards

A man, who appears drug-affected, stops traffic in a Richmond street. Picture: Tony Gough

A man uses drugs in a carpark next to the Richmond West Primary School. Picture: Jason Edwards

“More and more people who use drugs are able to access the services that they need to turn their lives around.

“We have seen many of our clients start to take better care of themselves, in some cases stop using drugs completely, gain employment, reunite with their families or escape situations of domestic violence.”

In its first nine months, staff at the injecting room have also carried out more than 3300 health and social support interventions.

More than 250 people have started opioid replacement treatment or have been referred to other forms or drug and alcohol treatment, while 40 have entered treatment for hepatitis.

But a fiery debate has erupted over the injecting room trial in the inner-city suburb, with some residents rallying to have it shut down amid claims of rising public injecting and crime.

The needle vending machine has been closed temporarily. Picture: Nicole Garmston

The Herald Sun revealed last month disturbing images of violence, as well as addicts shooting up and having sex in public.

Premier Daniel Andrews conceded that the trial was not perfect, but said Victoria could do better than having people overdose and die in the street.

The government and Yarra Council have moved to bolster outreach teams, street sweeps, lighting and security patrols.

A needle vending machine, which gave users the tools to shoot up without entering the centre, has also been closed temporarily.

A purpose-built centre is due to open within weeks, lifting the number of injecting booths from eight to 14.

Some are doubles cubicles, meaning 20 people will be able to access the facility at once.

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Mental Health Minister Martin Foley said the trial was “about keeping Victorians safe and saving lives”.

“That is precisely what the evidence shows it is doing,” he said. “The hundreds of Victorians who lose their lives to drugs are more than just statistics — they are much-loved sons, daughters, parents and friends.”

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@moniquehore