Services Database Needle & Syringe Exchange

The Needle Exchange Scheme shall offer a confidential service to all presenting service users (ages 18 and over) who require access to needles and other injecting paraphernalia in
relation to illicit intravenous drug use. Young people under 18 years old should be sign-posted to the local specialised Young People’s Service. However, for young people aged between 16 and 18, where there is likely to be a delay in the young person accessing treatment, it may be appropriate to issue a small amount of equipment if it is considered that by doing so the young person will be kept safe from the risk of blood-borne viruses through previously-used equipment. Referral into the Young People’s substance misuse service should be encouraged and information provided on how to access this service.

The Needle Exchange service will NOT be available to individuals requiring access to needles and other injecting paraphernalia in relation to non-drug misuse related treatment regimens
which requiring regular intravenous administration of prescribed medication e.g. insulin. Separate provision exists for these patient groups.

Pharmacies across Gloucestershire participating in the service will work together to reduce the practice of sharing equipment amongst drug users.

Pharmacies shall provide service users with:

• The provision of sterile injecting equipment in a suitable bag
• Information and advice around changing lifestyles
• Basic information on minimising the complications associated with drug misuse
• Signposting information on how to access drug and alcohol open access or treatment services within the community

The pharmacy will provide an introduction to the scheme and explain the rationale behind the service to service users. The pharmacy should order sufficient materials to ensure continuity of the service. The service includes provision for users of performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs).

• To ensure, on a 3 yearly basis, that the lead/regular pharmacist overseeing the service has successfully completed:
  • CPPE Substance Use and Misuse (pharmacist version) and the associated Declaration of Competence
  • CPPE e-learning module Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults and the associated e-assessment.
• All pharmacists will be required to complete the CPPE Declaration of Competence for Needle Exchange Programme. It is recommended that all registered pharmacy technicians
  complete the same declaration.
• The declaration training and reading and signing the SOP will need to be confirmed on PharmOutcomes via enrolment. There will be a three month grace period from the start of
  the service; after this, if not completed you will not be able to access the services.
• A representative from the pharmacy may be required to attend an annual training event.
• LloydsPharmacy aims to arrange at least one contractor meeting per year to promote service development and update the knowledge of the named pharmacist.