Social Work Scotland response to Expanding access to naloxone: Supply and emergency use consultation
March 2026
Introduction
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the Department of Health (Northern Ireland) (DoH (NI)), the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government are consulting on the viability of proposals to further expand access to naloxone. Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, helping to prevent overdose deaths and save lives.
Social Work Scotland is the professional body for social work leaders, working closely with our partners to shape policy and practice, and improve the quality and experience of social services. We welcome the opportunity to provide a response to the consultation on the expansion of naloxone.
Summary
Members expressed strong overall support for the aims of the consultation, recognising that expanding access to naloxone, both for take‑home supply and emergency use, is an essential measure to reduce preventable overdose deaths and improve public health.
There was broad agreement with the direction of all three proposals, particularly the need to widen access within homelessness services and to introduce new emergency supply routes such as locked boxes. At the same time, members highlighted several practical considerations that must be addressed to ensure effective implementation, including clarity around legal responsibilities, sustainable funding, appropriate training and public education, and the need to account for the specific challenges faced in rural and remote areas.
Overall, members welcomed the proposals in principle while emphasising that successful delivery will depend on clear guidance, robust infrastructure and a whole‑system approach that supports both professionals and communities.
