Needle Exchange Pilot To Replace Boots Service

The charity Extern has received funding to run a pilot-project of community-based needle exchange services.

According to the Public Health Agency, which is funding the scheme, 30,065 visits were made to the 21 services established in Northern Ireland between 2017 and 2018.

The service, introduced in replace of the Boots Needle and Syringe Exchange Scheme (NSES), will help meet the needs of people who inject in Belfast City Centre.

Needle exchange services are provided to protect the health and wellbeing of local people by reducing the potential for drug-related litter and cross contamination. The risk of contracting HIV and Hepatitis B and C is lowered for drug users, while they are also put in direct contact with a health professional who can guide them towards treatment services.

While they do help to protect everyone in the community, needle exchange services are based in areas where there is an existing pattern of people who inject.

Those in need will also be directed to other needle exchange community pharmacies in the city centre, and for clients with more complex needs, community-based service providers will be recommended. These include the Belfast Drug Outreach team, Extern, the Belfast Trust's Homelessness Team and Inclusion Health Service.

Anyone who injects substances can use a needle exchange service, and this includes people who inject opioids, steroids, tanning agents or stimulants.



(JG/CM)