Summary
In Northern Ireland during 2007/08:
- There were 11,387 visits to participating pharmacies by users of the scheme. This is an increase of 14% (1,390 visits) on the 2006/07 figure (9,997 visits).
- The proportion of visits involving the return of used equipment increased to 42% in 2007/08 from 40% in 2006/07.
- A cin bin is a sealed container which is used to safely dispose of used needles and syringes: 54% of cin bins issued to users of the scheme were returned.
- 116,935 syringes were issued in 2007/08. This is a 20% increase from 2006/07 (97,684 syringes).
- Over four fifths of visits (86%) were made by male clients.
- Over half (56%) of all visits were made by individuals aged 31 and over.
- 82 visits were made by an outreach worker on behalf of a client. In total 1,330 syringes were issued by outreach workers.
Notes to Editors:
1. This information was collated by the Public Health Information and Research Branch within the DHSSPS.
2. This Bulletin is the seventh 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 2007/08 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 syringes issued, the proportion of visits involving the return of used equipment, and the proportion of cin bins returned. In addition, an age and gender breakdown is provided of users of the scheme, and also a breakdown of information on the number of visits that were made by an outreach worker on behalf of a client.
4. This publication is available online at the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety website
5. Further information is available from:
Public Health Information and Research Branch Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety Annex 2, Castle Buildings Stormont, BT4 3UD Tel: 028 9052 2520 Email: PHIRB@dhsspsni.gov.uk Internet:Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety website
6. Media queries to DHSSPS Information Office on 028 905 20579.
