Our pharmacy provides a confidential and supportive Supervised Consumption Service, designed to offer a safe and hygienic environment for individuals who inject prescribed or illicit substances. This service aims to reduce the risks associated with unsupervised injecting, such as overdose, transmission of blood-borne viruses like HIV and Hepatitis C, and soft tissue infections. Within a dedicated and clean space, individuals can self-administer their substances under the discreet supervision of trained pharmacy staff.
The primary focus of our Supervised Consumption Service is harm reduction and promoting the well-being of service users. Our trained team are on hand to provide sterile injecting equipment, including needles, syringes, swabs, and sharps disposal containers, ensuring safe practices and minimising the sharing of equipment. While we do not provide the substances themselves, our staff can offer immediate assistance in the event of an overdose, including the administration of naloxone if appropriate and contacting emergency medical services.
Beyond the immediate act of consumption, our service acts as a vital point of contact and referral pathway. Our team can provide information and support on a range of health and social issues, including addiction treatment options, mental health services, housing support, and safer injecting techniques. We strive to build trust and rapport with service users, encouraging engagement with mainstream healthcare and facilitating access to the broader support systems available within the community.
Utilising our Supervised Consumption Service is entirely voluntary and confidential. We operate within strict guidelines to ensure the privacy and dignity of all service users. By providing a safe and supervised space, we aim to reduce the negative consequences associated with drug use, improve public health outcomes, and ultimately support individuals on their journey towards recovery and a healthier future within our community.