Historically the contracts had been issued as part of the NHS, however as part of the transfer of public health functions contractual arrangements transferred across to the Local Authority. Andrea Mulligan – Project Manager/Strategic Lead in Harm Minimisation for NECA’s Harm Reduction Service (STEP) in South Tyneside is the nominated Pharmacy Co-ordinator for needle exchange delivery in the borough.
Part of Andrea’s responsibility is to review the current provision and ensure that the NICE PH52 guidance around Needle and Syringe Programme Provision’s recommendations are embedded across the area. This includes conducting a mapping exercise to ensure the maximum coverage for injecting drug users (including Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs). NECA would like to hear from any pharmacies in South Tyneside who would be interested in providing a needle exchange service. Those expressing an interest will not be guaranteed a contract as this will depend on local need following the results from the mapping exercise. However those who are selected will benefit from full training, a quarterly retainer and regular, ongoing support. Please contact Andrea directly on (0191) 2758000 or [email protected] for further information.
To log an expression of Interest Click Here