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| Pharmacy
Syringe Exchange |
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Since
the Trust began it's operation of Pharmacy Syringe Exchange,
we have given priority to the recruitment of new pharmacies.
The scheme is regularly monitored and evaluated, our aim is
to provide all injecting drug users across the Trusts boundaries
with appropriate harm minimisation advice and injecting equipment
within the pharmacy setting. The scheme
is now based, since October 2000 in
Chester Drug Service, a more central base for it's operations.
The Trust now has working contracts with over 40 pharmacies
across the region. |
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and information regarding the scheme can be gained from contacting
the Pharmacy
Syringe Exchange Worker, Thora
MacAteer on 01244 344 999.
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- Drug use is not
only associated with an individuals addiction but with
other important issues connected with public health such
as HIV, Hepatitis C. etc.
- It
has been recognised that Drug Services will never reach
all drug injectors, for a variety of reasons such as fear
of authorities, service availability etc. Therefore one
practical response is to increase the supply of injecting
equipment and extend the opportunities for safe disposal.
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Syringe Exchange is available in this area from a series
of geographically selected pharmacies, all displaying
the symbol opposite.
- All
packs contain a selection of syringes/needles, swabs and
barrels etc. as well as an information leaflet.
- Used
equipment is left at the pharmacy in sharps bins. Clients
of the scheme are also provided with community sharps
boxes, small and discreet which can be taken home.
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| Monitoring
Disposal of used Equipment |
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- Every effort
is made to ensure that users of th e scheme dispose of
used equipment in a safe and responsible way, most clients
obviously do. Clients who do not comply and are identified
as not acting responsibly are carefully monitored by the
pharmacist if they wish to continue picking up clean equipment.
- The Community
sharps bins supplied are marked with a green cross logo
and this enables returned equipment numbers to be recorded
to prove the efficacy of the scheme.
- To draw attention
to the importance of safe disposal etc., a sticker has
been designed to distribute in areas where dumping of
used works is a problem.
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| Pharmacy
Training |
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- Training
sessions are offered twice a year to all pharmacies and
pharmacy staff involved in the scheme. The presentations
are designed to give staff specific updates on the running
of the service as well as more general drug awareness
training.
- Specific
health issues are addressed such as Hepititis C and HIV
etc.; the principles of harm reduction and drug awareness
are also high on the agenda.
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