This locally commissioned service (LCS ) provides access to sterile needles and syringes, and sharps containers for return of used equipment as described below. List of pharmacies signed up to deliver this service is attached to this page.

Eligibility criteria

• all adult (aged 18 years or over) injectors (including steroid users) who are using drugs illicitly. 

This LCS involves (see service specification for further details):

• ensuring the return and safe disposal of used injecting equipment
• providing sterile needles, syringes and sharp containers
• providing and reinforcing harm reduction messages including safe sex advice and advice on overdose prevention (e.g. risks of poly-drug use and alcohol use)
• making every contact count by referral to other health and social care services (such as the Smoking Cessation (pharmacy delivered) Public Health LCS - see list of pharmacies signed up to this service), key working, prescribing, Hepatitis B immunisation
• offering referral to the GP provided Opiate Drug Misuse Public Health LCS or Sexual Health Public Health LCS (see list the of GP practices signed up to deliver these services) or specialist centres such as the Camden Integrated Drug and Alcohol service, the Breathe Stop Smoking service or Sexual Health Services: CNWL where appropriate.

For queries, contact Public Health via ph.lcs@camden.gov.uk.