Drug related death (DRD) remains a significant
issue at both a local and national level within England and Wales,
with 2019’s death registrations showing a new record number
of drug poisonings recorded for the eighth consecutive year. The 10
local authorities across Greater Manchester have seen a substantial
rise in both drug misuse deaths (48.8%) and deaths from drug
poisoning (which include drug misuse deaths) (151.3%) since the ONS
began collecting this data in 1993. The rise has been particularly
acute since 2013, and the majority of overdose deaths occur outside
of the treatment system.
This system will enable data and information to be compiled by
local
authority in the following areas:
-demographics and trends
-substances implicated in toxicology
-cause and verdicts of deaths where available
-common themes such as employment/accommodation/relationship
status
-characteristics of deaths
This will build a more detailed picture across GM of what is
happening in relation to drug related deaths, help in improving the
response to these and assist with delivering the ambition of
reducing drug related deaths in GM.
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 13/01/2023
Decision due: 22 Dec 2022 by Director for Police, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, GM Deputy Mayor, Treasurer GMCA
Contact: Lisa Lees Email: lisa.lees@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk.