Statistics from the Northern Ireland needle and syringe exchange scheme: 1 April 2006 – 31 March 2007

A Statistical Bulletin summarising information on people visiting the Needle and Syringe Exchange Scheme (NSES), has been published.

Summary

In Northern Ireland during 2006/07:

• There were 9,997 visits to participating pharmacies by users of the scheme. This is an increase of 14% (1,200 visits) on the 2005/06 figure (8,797 visits).
• The proportion of visits involving the return of used equipment fell to 40% in 2006/07 from 44% in 2005/06.
• There were 47,400 needles and 97,684 syringes issued in 2006/07.
• Over four fifths of visits (84%) were made by male clients.
• Just over half (54%) of all visits were made by clients aged 31 and over.
• One in twenty five visits (4%) were by clients reporting themselves to be new users of the NSES.
• Nine (0.1%) visits were by clients reporting that they were currently sharing needles.

Notes to Editors:

1.  This information was collated by the Drug and Alcohol Information and Research Unit within the DHSSPS.

2.  This Bulletin is the sixth reporting on information collected through the Northern Ireland Needle and Syringe Exchange Scheme, which was established in April 2001. Initially five pharmacies were involved in the scheme; by the end of 2006/07 there were nine pharmacies offering needle and syringe exchange. Pharmacies were chosen based on their willingness to participate, their location, and the assessed need for needle exchange in the locality.

3.  The Bulletin presents information on the number of visits to participating pharmacies, the number of needles and syringes issued and the proportion of visits involving the return of used equipment. In addition, there is an age and gender breakdown provided and information on reported sharing of needles.

4.  View this publication on-line

5.  Additional Information

Further information is available from:

Email: DAIRU@dhsspsni.gov.uk

Media queries to DHSSPS Information Office on 028 905 20571.

Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.