Fewer needles are distributed in city

A report has revealed that 61,000 fewer needles and syringes were handed out to users through city-based services in 2015/16, compared with the previous year.

A total of 390,972 were given out by 26 outlets in that period.

In addition, the number of people who sought help from injecting equipment provision services dropped by 9% — almost 3,000.

The 61,000 figure reflects the number of needles and syringes distributed in 2015/16 but not exchanges by patients.

Annual attendance rates remain fairly static.

A report by the NHS’s information services division (ISD) said that some health boards had reported a drop due to changes in the availability and use of NPS — formerly known as legal highs — which were outlawed just after the end of that year and had been associated with “frequent injecting episodes and increased IEP (injecting equipment provision) attendance”.

NHS Tayside executive lead for sexual health and blood-borne viruses Ann Eriksen said: “The ISD report highlights that the average number of needles and syringes distributed for each person who injects drugs in Tayside continues to be above the Scottish average of 77, sitting at 85 in 2015/16.

“However, we are aware that this is well below the global targets set by World Health Organisation for the number of needles and syringes that should be distributed for each individual who injects drugs per year.

“To address this, we are reviewing the IEP service across Tayside with the aim of increasing uptake of needles, syringes and other items needed to inject more safely.”

The number of needles handed out in Tayside was nearly 200,000 fewer than in 2011/12, when 579,000 were distributed. The total distributed in Scotland is at its highest point for the last decade, with increasing numbers being given out by pharmacies as opposed to agencies.

Director of public health Dr Drew Walker said: “Injecting Equipment Provision (IEP) services are vital, along with access to Opiate Substitution Therapy (OST) in preventing transmission of blood-borne viruses, especially hepatitis C in people who inject drugs.”

THE number of needles and syringes distributed to people in Dundee has fallen, according to new figures.

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