Enhancing Pharmacy's Involvement in the Needle and Syringe Program

What is the purpose of the Needle and Syringe Program?
Why should my pharmacy participate in the Needle and Syringe Program?

Since 1986, Needle and Syringe Programs (NSPs) have provided services to people who inject drugs. It has also been a core component of current and previous National Strategies to reduce blood-borne viral infections and their associated health and social impacts.

Community pharmacies are recognised contributors to the Needle and Syringe Program, and as easily accessible healthcare destinations, are uniquely placed to support the community through provision of professional support and advice.

Within the Northern NSW region, close to 50% of all community pharmacies are actively participating in the Needle and Syringe Program. There continues to be opportunities to enhance and increase this service throughout the region, increasing the community pharmacy network’s contribution to this important public health initiative.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the role of community pharmacy in delivering the Needle and Syringe Program
  • Understand the importance of the Needle and Syringe Program in reducing cases of blood-borne viruses
  • Address the barriers of harm minimisation in pharmacy

Topics:

Needle and Syringe Program: Why should pharmacy be involved?
Deb Woodbridge, Harm Reduction Officer at Lismore Needle Syringe Program

Barriers to Successful Programs: Overcoming the stigma of Needle and Syringe Use
Shasi Johnston, Harm Reduction Officer at North Coast Public Health

Blood Borne Viruses and Pharmacy: How effective is the Needle and Syringe Program?
Krista Zohrab, Clinical Nurse Consultant at Lismore Liver Clinic 

Event details:

Location: Quality Hotel Ballina Beach Resort - Cedar Cres & Compton Drive, East Ballina NSW 2478
Date: Wednesday 23rd May 2018
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm - Registration, refreshments and networking from 6pm

Registration is complimentary!
Registration closes Friday 18 May 2018.

Upon successful completion of the workshop, pharmacists will receive a certificate of attendance to self-record 4 Group 2 CPD credits.

For further information, please feel free to contact Guild Clinical on 
Tel: 02 9467 7156 or Email: guild.clinical@nsw.guild.org.au

Was this page useful to you?

Page last updated on: 22 April 2020