Provision of Needle Exchange Equipment, Safe Disposal of Clinical Waste, Oversight, Training and Payment of Pharmacies for Service Delivery 2019

North Somerset Council invites tenders for Needle exchange services delivered by community pharmacies. Needle exchanges are important in preventing the spread of Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs) (NICE PH52); a 2004 World Health Organisation (WHO) study states that "needle exchange services substantially and cost effectively reduce the spread of BBV's without increasing injecting use".

They are particularly important in relation to Hepatitis C (HCV); injecting drug users are the largest group most at risk of contracting HCV, with approximately 80% of new HCV infections in the UK being attributed to this group. The WHO has a target to eradicate HCV by 2030; a target NHS England aim to exceed by at least 5 years.

Needle Exchanges also provide a mechanism for the safe disposal of injecting paraphernalia which helps prevent accidental needle stick injuries and reduces litter. Furthermore, they provide an important way of moving individuals towards less risky methods of drug use and provide referral routes into treatment and other services.

For pharmacy needle exchanges to function efficiently, a regular supply of suitable high-quality injecting equipment and clinical waste collection and disposal service is required. It is also essential that pharmacy staff operating the needle exchange service are suitable trained in the type of equipment available to enable them to advise service users on the products most suited to their needs and to importantly offer harm minimisation advice. Further information and tender documents can be found here: https://procontract.due-north.com/Opportunities/Index?res...