Pubdate: Mon, 15 Aug 2005
Source: Western Mail (UK)
Copyright: Trinity Mirror Plc 2005
Contact: http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/letters/
Website: http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2598
Author: Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?228 (Paraphernalia)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange)

SAFE DISPOSAL OF DRUG-RELATED LITTER

PEOPLE are risking catching a deadly infection by trying to clear
discarded syringes and other drug paraphernalia without training.

Not disposing of drug-related litter properly can put people at risk
of Hepatitis B or C, or even HIV, if they have a needle-stick injury.

But despite large numbers of discarded syringes being found in open
spaces in Wales, awareness about how to dispose of them safely is low.

St John Wales and PHS Waste Management have now developed a scheme to
help protect staff and the general public from the hazards of
drug-related litter.

The pair will train people to safely manage such drug-related litter
and provide specialist safety kits to handle and store drug litter, as
well as offering a simple and convenient drugs disposal service.

A survey of managers of venues and areas open to the public, including
schools, by PHS found that those in Wales were more familiar with
drug-related litter than others around the UK, because it was a
problem on their premises.

But only a quarter said they had proper training on how to collect and
dispose of the material.

Brian Hortop, St John Training company manager, said, "It is clear
that drug-related litter is a real problem and can be found anywhere -
on the streets, in our parks, and on our premises, in fact anywhere
that has open access to the public.

"Many organisations have taken some steps to address the issues but
the provision of drug disposal kits is often overlooked and employees
are left to deal with incidents with little or no guidance.

"St John Cymru Wales wants to give people the confidence to dispose of
drug-related litter safely and the skills to be able treat people who
have been affected.

"We have specifically designed a training programme and in conjunction
with PHS are able to offer an entire solution to the problem."

Edwina Hart, Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration, said, "The
Assembly Government is encouraging and supporting the development of
needle exchange and disposal facilities across Wales to encourage
people to discard needles safely and minimise health risks.

"Our longer term aim is to reduce the amount of drug related litter."
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake