The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 271 No 7260 p140
2 August 2003

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Needle Exchange Scheme (more)

Long-service awards for needle exchange pharmacies in Bradford

The needle exchange scheme in Bradford is to honour pharmacies that have supported it over a number of years.

Gold, silver and bronze long-service awards are being given to pharmacies that have participated in the needle exchange scheme for 15, 10 and five years, respectively. John Bolloten, needle exchange co-ordinator, said: "We are giving these long-service awards to honour the pharmacies that have supported our work and have helped make the project such a success." There are currently 18 community pharmacies involved in the scheme and 17 have been given long-service awards. Pharmacists provide clean injecting equipment, health advice and referrals to specialist services.

The Bradford needle exchange scheme began in 1987. Around 1,000 needles and syringes were supplied each month when the scheme started and this has now reached 60,000 per month. One of the scheme's successes has been achieving a low rate of HIV cases among drug misusers. Statistics show the rate of HIV cases in Bradford is one case per 100,000 drug injectors. This compares with two cases per 100,000 in the region as a whole and a national rate of four cases per 100,000.