Services Database Needle & Syringe Exchange (Wirral Area)

Pharmacy contractors will provide access to sterile needles and syringes, and sharps containers for return of used equipment.  1ml, 2ml and 5ml packs of injecting equipment will be supplied, free of charge, to clients in the scheme, together with community sharps bins and associated paraphernalia. Clients will be able to exchange more than one pack per visit. Clients requesting large quantities will be referred to the Harm Reduction Unit. Pharmacy staff will offer a user-friendly, non-judgemental, client-centred and confidential service.

Pharmacists delivering the service must have (within 6 months) have completed the open learning module, Substance Use and Misuse: Supporting pharmacists for improved patient care, provided by the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) in England. Pharmacists who have completed the Part 2 Royal College of General Practitioners Certificate (RCGP) in the Management of Drug Misuse in Primary Care may be eligible, in future, to apply for posts as pharmacists with special interest (PhwSI) in drug misuse.

In conjunction with funding from Wirral DAAT, pharmacists will have access to RCGP Part 1 training.  This training would be delivered by Wirral Drug Service who has RCGP approved trainers.  Relevant training would also be provided for dispensers and pharmacy staff in areas such as Blood-Borne Virus Transmission, basic drugs awareness and referral pathways. Pharmacists will attend at least one educational meeting or training opportunity per year.