Pubdate: Sat, 10 Jun 2006
Source: Scotsman (UK)
Copyright: 2006 The Scotsman Publications Ltd
Contact: http://members.scotsman.com/contact.cfm
Website: http://www.scotsman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/406
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?143 (Hepatitis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)

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."
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman