PLANS TO SET UP NEEDLE SCHEMES FOR DRUG ADDICTS

Ulster Officials Apply For Funding

THREE needle exchange schemes for drug users could be set up under a
radical new government plan, the Belfast Telegraph has learned.

Health officials have lodged a formal bid for cash to start the swap
programmes, which would be aimed at preventing the spread of HIV and
Hepatitis C among heroin addicts.

Sources said the precise venues of the schemes had yet to be finalised, but
they are likely to be set up in Belfast, Ballymena and Craigavon.

The DHSS and four health boards are hoping for a share of the extra pounds
5.5 million ministers have earmarked for the fight against drugs.

If their bid is successful, officials will have to decide what is the best
way to hand out the new needles.

Some experts back the use of mobile units, while others believe that the
needles should be dispensed from pharmacies.

A health source said: "It would be fair to say that the option must
favoured at the moment is to have the exchanges based at pharmacies."The
Northern Drugs Co-ordinating Team, which covers the Ballymena area, has
already studied schemes in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dublin for ideas and has
consulted local pharmacists.

A spokesperson for the DHSS said: "We can confirm that we have forwarded a
bid for funding and are looking at setting up pilot schemes.

"These would be targeted at the areas of greatest need and would obviously
be mindful of public health considerations."Yesterday, American academic Dr
Karen McElrath revealed results of a study which showed heroin users were
placing themselves at risk from HIV and Hepatitis C by sharing dirty needles.

She backed the setting up of needle exchange schemes as part of a series of
proposals to tackle the heroin problem.