Caring about life down under –
June 5, 2020 – The Victorian Government has accepted all recommendations of the independent review of Victoria’s first Medically Supervised Injecting Room (MSIR), which has found the trial is saving lives and changing lives for people struggling with drug addiction.
After 18 months of work, the final report from the independent review panel chaired by Professor Margaret Hamilton found the MSIR in North Richmond saw over 119,000 visits and saved at least 21 lives.
The facility has safely managed 3,200 overdoses – taking pressure off emergency departments and reducing ambulance call outs – and has led to a decrease in reports of public injecting in the North Richmond area.
Staff have also provided more than 13,000 health and social support interventions for issues like mental health, housing and family violence – helping those suffering with addiction recover and rebuild their lives.
As a result of the findings, the panel’s expert advice has recommended the MSIR trial be extended for three years.
