 About Poole DAAT |
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| Local
Initiatives |
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| Information: Drugs |
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| Services
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| Youth Issues |
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| Information: Alcohol |
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| Harm
Minimisation |
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You can obtain advice, clean
equipment and dispose of used needles at the following places;
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If you require any further help or information in any of these matters, don't hesitate to contact the Harm Minimisation Clinic at PACT on 01202 633821, or pop in for a chat: opening hours are Monday - Thursday - 9am - 5pm Friday - 9am - 4.30pm |
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If you find needles disposed of in a public place please contact Environmental & Consumer Protection Services on Tel: 01202 261700 or email: environment@poole.gov.uk |
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Harm Minimisation & Needle Exchange Needles disposed of incorrectly can cause not just a puncture or cut but can transfer viruses, bacteria, prions, and protozoa. The viruses transferred can be Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs) such as Hepatitis A, B and C and HIV. Prion diseases are a family of progressive neurodegenerative disorders that affect both animals and humans. Human prion diseases include Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD). Protazoa are single cell organisms which can be found anywhere and most are not harmful but some can be parasitic and cause diseases in the respiratory tract, central nervous system and intestines.
Blood Borne Virus Services in Poole Blood borne viruses (BBVs) are spread by contaminated blood, or bodily fluids containing blood, causing HIV, Hepatitis A, B and C. Hepatitis results in inflammation of the liver. In the UK it is estimated that 250,000 people are infected with Hepatitis C. Hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV with about 7 in every 100,000 people in the UK being infected. There were 457 laboratory reports confirming infection with Hepatitis A in 2005 in England and Wales. Some of the causes of infection with these viruses are caused through the following methods: transfer of blood, semen, sexual intercourse, pre-ejaculate, breast milk or food (i.e. shellfish cultivated in contaminated waters). Transfer of blood can be done through shared injecting equipment and drug paraphernalia (including cookers, cotton, spoons, water, etc), blood spatter to eyes or open wounds, contact sports, razors, toothbrushes or manicure equipment. It can also be spread through poorly sterilized equipment for body piercings, tattoos (through dyes, ink pots, and piercing implements), medical or dental equipment. The immunisation service at PACT provides vaccination against Hepatitis A and B. This service is open to all clients past and present as well as anyone accessing the Harm Minimisation Clinic who is a Poole resident. The clinic provides an accelerated course for Hepatitis B at 0, 7 and 21 days with a booster given at 12 months. This provides cover for up to 5 years. Hepatitis A is a single dose providing cover for up to 1 year. A booster given at 12 months will extend this for up to 10 years. Information around Hepatitis A & B and specific information around Anaphylaxis is also given. Harm reduction advice and information is available from the Harm Minimisation Clinic, regarding the routes of transmission for the spread of BBV's. The client can be helped to identify behaviour which may have put them at risk of infection and can be supported to access appropriate services for diagnosis and treatment. Harm Reduction advice in all areas around Blood Borne Viruses (BBV's) including information about safer injecting, safer sex and risks associated with tattoos and piercings is available. The clinic service also highlights the risk towards others from engaging in unsafe sex, sharing needles and unsafe disposal of used injecting equipment, while promoting the return of used needles and paraphernalia for safe disposal. The testing service at PACT is moving forward. However, the protocol, at present, is to signpost clients to Royal Bournemouth Hospital or Poole General Hospital Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) Clinics, for BBV testing. This would include pre and post test advice by the clinic health advisors. Contact information is available in the clinic at PACT and staff will support the client to book an appointment themselves or phone on their behalf. Anyone considering having a test for, or who has an existing positive condition of Hepatitis C or HIV, can be referred or signposted to the Stephen James Practice for specialist counselling and support.
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