Injecting Equipment Provision

Service specification (what it is, how it works)

Injecting Equipment Provision (IEP) is a harm reduction service designed to reduce the health risks associated with injecting drug use. It operates across the UK, including Scotland, and is often delivered through community pharmacies, NHS clinics, and third-sector organisations. Here’s how it works:

What is IEP?

IEP provides free sterile injecting equipment and related supplies to people who inject drugs (PWID). The aim is to:

  • Prevent the spread of blood-borne viruses (HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C).
  • Reduce skin and soft tissue infections (abscesses, cellulitis).
  • Minimise other complications like collapsed veins and sepsis. [policyonli…thian.scot], [changegrowlive.org]

How Does It Work?

  1. Access Points
    • Available at pharmacies, NHS harm reduction teams, and outreach services.
    • Free at point of service and confidential users are asked for minimal information, which is not shared. [changegrowlive.org]
  2. What’s Provided
    • Sterile needles and syringes (various sizes).
    • Paraphernalia: swabs, filters, water for injection, acidifiers (citric/vitamin C), cookers.
    • Sharps containers for safe disposal.
    • Foil for smoking heroin (to encourage non-injecting use).
    • Naloxone kits and training (to reverse opioid overdoses). [cranstoun.org]
  3. Returns and Disposal
    • Used equipment can be returned for safe disposal.
    • Services often provide yellow sharps bins for home use. [communityp…cot.nhs.uk]
  4. Additional Support
    • Education on safer injecting techniques.
    • Blood-borne virus testing and vaccination.
    • Referral to drug treatment, wound care, and sexual health services. [nhsaaa.net]

Why Is It Important?

  • Sharing injecting equipment is a major route for HIV and Hepatitis C transmission.
  • Scotland has high rates of Hepatitis C among PWID, so IEP is a key public health intervention.
  • Evidence shows IEP significantly reduces risky injecting behaviours and infections. [publicheal…tland.scot]

Resources

NHS Highland has several harm reduction and Injecting Equipment Provision (IEP) resources available:

Local NHS Highland Services

  1. Highland Alcohol and Drug Advice and Support Service (HADASS)
    • Offers needle exchange, blood-borne virus testing, naloxone training, and harm reduction advice.
    • Drop-in sessions: Tue, Wed, Fri – 10am to 2pm
    • Location: David Whyte House, 57 Church Street, Inverness IV1 1DR
    • Contact: 01463 717 594
      Visit NHS Highland page [nhshighlan…cot.nhs.uk]
  2. Highland Alcohol & Drugs Partnership (HADP)
    • Provides a directory of services, harm reduction info, naloxone training, and details of injecting equipment providers across Highland.
    • Download the HOPE App for overdose prevention and harm reduction guidance.
      Explore HADP resources [highland-adp.org.uk]
  3. HOPE App (Highland Overdose Prevention & Engagement)

 National Guidance

Useful documents (claim forms etc)

There are official NHS Highland and related documents for Injecting Equipment Provision (IEP) and harm reduction. Here are the most relevant ones:

NHS Highland Specific

  1. Outlines service standards, aims, staff competence, and safe disposal procedures for IEP in Highland pharmacies.
  2. Includes historical guidance and operational details.
    Download PDF [communityp…cot.nhs.uk]
  1. Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (HADP) Publications
  2. Rights, Respect and Recovery Strategy (Highland)

National Guidance (Scotland)

  1. Scottish Drugs Forum – Good Practice Guidance
  2. Public Health Scotland Annual Report on IEP