Roll Out of Discarded Needle Information and Advice
Helpful information and advice to the public on how best to dispose of needles discarded by drug users is to be extended throughout the Highlands following a successful pilot in the Inverness area. The Highland Drug & Alcohol Action Team, The Highland Council, “Safeinverness” and Northern Constabulary worked together to develop two leaflets, which will now be available in key public offices throughout the Highlands.
A “Drugs in Business and Public Premises – Guidance for Staff” booklet gives advice to businesses and community premises about how to deal with drug use in public premises, such as shops and pubs. It includes information about commonly-used drugs, health issues and signs of drug use. Importantly it also gives advice on measures to prevent and deal with drug use and discarding of needles.
An additional leaflet “Discarded Needles and Syringes – What to do if you find them…” has also been developed and is aimed at the general public. It gives clear advice about appropriate actions to take if someone finds discarded equipment in public places such as playgrounds or toilets. This will also be available in libraries, Services Points, police stations and many other outlets.
Similar groups in other parts of Scotland have already adapted the publications for their own areas. The Highland Council Transport Environmental and Community Services Biohazard Team deals directly with the uplift and disposal of discarded needles and provides a 24 x 7 response and advice service. If a member of the public finds a discarded needle, they should telephone the Response team on 01463 715087 (office hours) and 07748 745 968 (out of hours and weekends).
The publications give details of how to contact them and other relevant agencies in the event of finding discarded needles or drug use in public areas.
The Council’s Occupational Health Department have also taken this issue on board and have undertaken awareness sessions on ‘Preventing Exposure to Blood Borne Infections’ and ‘Needle Stick Injuries’ to all Services and areas in the Highlands assessed as at risk.
Councillor David Alston, new Chair of Highland Drug & Alcohol Action Team, states: “Discarded needles are not a major problem in the Highlands but for any individual finding a syringe it is, rightly, an immediate issue of great concern. This scheme has been tested and will provide an effective way of dealing with any such incidents – providing protection for individuals and reassurance to communities.”