There has been an increase in overdoses in the Boston area
Naloxone(Image: Lincolnshire Co-op)
Organisations across Lincolnshire are working together to make lifesaving medication more accessible in rural locations.
The Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership and Lincolnshire Co-op pharmacies want to increase availability of naloxone, a first aid medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
The medication comes in the form of a nasal spray called Nyxoid but is also available in the form of easy-to-use injection, called Prenoxad.
Anyone can carry a naloxone kit in England and use it to save a life. It is available from drug treatment providers and some pharmacies, but accessing these locations can be more difficult in rural areas.
Following an increase in overdoses in the Boston area, Lincolnshire Co-op pharmacies have been proactive in their response by supporting the local communities with naloxone.
A staff member in a Lincolnshire Co-op pharmacy(Image: Lincolnshire Co-op)
Prenoxad naloxone will initially be available for free in 36 Lincolnshire Co-op pharmacies, and there are plans to introduce the service in other sites in the future.
Pharmacies will be able to offer naloxone when someone requests it and when providing opiate substitute medication or opioid medications, alongside a needle and syringe transition.
These pharmacies can now supply naloxone directly under approved arrangements without the need for a prescription or referral to drug treatment services.
One woman who struggled with substance use and overdosed four years ago was supported by Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership.
She said: “I have very little memory of the event, but I am so grateful that my friend was there to administer naloxone and save my life.
“I have been able to rebuild my life and have a healthy little baby boy.”
The Home Office says it is expecting an increase in drug-related deaths in the coming years due to the increase in production of synthetic opioids.
This includes nitazenes, which are class of synthetic opioids up to 500 times more potent than heroin, and are increasingly linked to fatal overdoses.
In addition to increasing access to naloxone and reduce drug related deaths, the Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership has trained almost a quarter of all Lincolnshire Police officers on how to administer naloxone.
Josh Pinder, healthcare development manager at Lincolnshire Co-op, said: “By introducing this service, we are making a potentially life-saving intervention more accessible to people at risk of opiate related overdoses, as well as their families, friends and carers.
“Our friendly colleagues have close relationships with patients and are able to give them the support they need without fear of judgement.”
Mr Pinder added: “Pharmacies are uniquely positioned to provide timely support, advice and access to naloxone, helping to reduce preventable deaths and strengthen our commitment to improving health and wellbeing in our local communities.”
Adam Sutcliffe, senior operations manager at Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership, said: “Pharmacies are vital in the running of our service.
“Many of the people we support have frequent contact with pharmacy staff, so it made sense for pharmacy teams to be trained and able to supply naloxone kits.”
Here are the 36 Lincolnshire Co-op pharmacies offering the medication:
Birchwood
Liquorpond
Bracebridge Heath
Branston
Brant Road
Burton Road
Cabourne Avenue
Cherry Willingham
Louth
Barrowby Gate
Heckington
Holbeach
Horncastle
Kirton
St Botolph’s
Market Street
Metheringham
Nettleham
Newland
The Forum
Hykeham Village
Newark Road
Parkside
Rookery Lane
Ruskington
Saxilby
Skellingthorpe
Donington
Spilsby
Swineshead
Vanessa Drive
Waddington
Washingborough
Welton
Witham St Hughs
Monks Road