Strategies needed to increase access to drug paraphernalia
Strategies are needed to increase the distribution of needles and syringes
to injecting drug users, according to research published by the Scottish
Government last week.
The research, led by Jenny Scott, senior lecturer in pharmacy practice
and medicines use at the University of Bath, aimed to identify which
items of paraphernalia and injection preparation methods present the
least risk to health and to investigate the impact of supply of paraphernalia
on health.
The report recommends increased needle distribution to prevent sharing;
increased both in terms of improved access and the quantity supplied.
It also says that convenience and accessibility should be maximised for
the supply of paraphernalia. However, pharmacy schemes receive mixed
reviews from the drug users interviewed for the research. “Some
specifically mentioned increasing the number of needle exchange pharmacies,
recognising that pharmacies are already common and this may increase
geographical spread. However, others spoke against pharmacy needle exchange,
describing concerns about confidentiality and attitude of staff putting
them and their peers off from using pharmacy services,” the report
states.
The Scottish Government is expected to publish a national drugs strategy
later this year.
Working group
In response to a Parliamentary
question last week, Scotland’s public health minister Shona
Robison said she would consider whether to establish a working group
to develop guidelines for services that provide injecting equipment
to drug users. |
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