Needle Exchange Programme - Orkney

The needle exchange service runs alongside the Sexual Health Service at the Health Centre in Kirkwall. This is a free service for users of intravenous (IV) drugs and performance enhancing drugs (e.g. steroids).

The service aims to reduce the spread of blood borne viruses (HIV, Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B) and to offer information and advice to reduce the harms associated with injecting drug use.

The Needle Exchange Service offers the following:
• Assessment of need on first contact
• Safe disposal of used sets of injecting equipment
• Access to sterile sets of injecting equipment, disposal bins, sterile water and citric acid
• Advice and practical support on alternatives to injecting
• Access to a range of free condoms
• Training on how to use Naloxone (a drug which temporarily reverses the action of an opiod overdose).
• Access to Hepatitis A & B and tetanus immunisation
• Advice and information on 'safer' injecting practices
• Advice and information on HIV, Hepatitis B & C
• Testing for HIV and Hepatitis B and C
• Referral to drug services if appropriate

This is an NHS Clinic – no charges are made for services provided.