LOST NEEDLES SPARK FEARS OF HEPATITIS C

ONE in three used needles may have been dumped by heroin addicts in
the Lothians last year, sparking fears of a spread of diseases such
as hepatitis C.

New figures show that in the Lothians more than 279,000 needles were
issued, but only 82,262 returned - leaving almost 200,000 unaccounted for.

There are around 51,000 heroin addicts in Scotland, 30,000 with the
highly infectious hepatitis C.

Executive guidelines advise drug workers to give addicts new needles
in exchange for dirty ones to prevent them sharing and spreading
hepatitis C, while preventing dirty needles from being discarded in
streets and parks.

A spokeswoman for the Executive, which insisted many needles dumped
in special safe bins were not counted, said: "Guidance makes clear a
requirement to return used equipment for safe disposal before fresh
equipment is issued.

Drug workers do, however, need the flexibility to use their judgement
when dealing with people with chaotic lifestyles."