Needle exchange pilot to help people who inject

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has funded Extern to commence a pilot project of a community-based needle exchange service, helping to meet the needs of people who inject.

Those who previously used the Boots Needle and Syringe Exchange Scheme (NSES) service will continue to have full access to needle exchange services in Belfast city centre

Along with the new community-based pilot project, they will be redirected to other needle exchange community pharmacies in the city centre, and for clients with more complex needs, community-based service providers, including the Belfast Drug Outreach team, Extern, the Belfast Trust’s Homelessness Team and Inclusion Health Service, will be providing additional support in response to need.

The Needle and Syringe Exchange Scheme is vital to the health and wellbeing of the entire community, helping to reduce the potential of drug-related litter, lowering the risk of HIV and Hepatitis B and C within the wider population, and putting those who use the service in direct contact with a health professional who can help them in engaging with treatment services to address their drug misuse. Needle exchange services are based in areas where there is an existing pattern of people who inject, but help protect everyone in the community.

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

A total of 30,065 visits were made to exchange needles and syringes across Northern Ireland in the 21 needle and syringe exchange services operating during the period 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2018.