NEEDLE EXCHANGE

Needle-exchange programmes are often implemented by pharmacies. They are likely to be contaminated with chemicals or medicines and should be placed in a yellow-lidded sharps receptacle.

Pharmacies may produce or receive sharps including:

Returns from domestic householders with diabetes and from other self-administering patients.
Needle exchange.
Diagnostic procedures.

The area of the pharmacy used for provision of the service is required to provide a sufficient level of privacy and safety and meets other locally agreed criteria. A safe place to store equipment and returns for safe onward disposal must be used. Also the area should have information posters and leaflets of related healthcare issues and awareness campaigns.

Needle Exchange Reception