§ Mr. WatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance her Department has issued to NHS trusts concerning the location of needle exchanges and local drug rehabilitation facilities. [45441]
§ Ms JowellGuidance sent to health authorities in 1988 and 1992 about the provision of needle exchange schemes notes that the geographic location of a scheme will influence its ability to attract and retain clients. The guidance says that schemes should be set up in areas which have a high prevalence of injecting drug misuse. When selecting a site, consideration should be given to the proximity of local residences, the preservation of clients' anonymity, and the ease with which clients will be able to use the scheme. However, it is for the local health authority, local authority and providers of services to decide what is appropriate for local circumstances. Copies of Health Circular (88)53 and Executive Letter (92)47 are available in the Library.
93WThe Department has not issued any guidance on the location of drug rehabilitation schemes. The location of these services is also for local decision.