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Needle exchange in custody suites and minor injuries units
Nick Fuller, Charge Nurse, Tayside Harm Reduction Service, Dundee
Abstract
One way of increasing the availability and accessibility of needle and syringe exchange is by diversifying the settings in which services are provided. This presentation outlines two schemes from Tayside, Scotland, for providing needle exchange in Police custody suites and Minor Injury Units, which have been introduced in addition to existing services provided through pharmacies and specialist harm reduction services.
The custody suite scheme provides clean injecting equipment for individuals on release from police custody and has been replicated in a number of other police areas in the UK. Needle exchange in Minor Injury Units is a novel scheme aimed at increasing availability in areas with limited existing access to needle exchange. The design and operation of both these schemes is outlined and the advantages and challenges involved are described.
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Biography
Nick Fuller RGN, MSc, Charge Nurse, Tayside Harm Reduction Service
Nick Fuller is a Registered Nurse and qualified counsellor with experience in harm reduction and drug treatment work. He is lead nurse for the Tayside Harm Reduction Outreach team, and has been responsible for developing and delivering needle exchange training for nursing staff working in Minor Injury Units.
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