Scottish Executive - Effective Interventions Unit

In December 2002, Scotland's Lord Advocate reviewed the Guidelines that govern the number of needles and syringes ( n/s) dispensed at any one visit to a needle exchange. The new Guidelines increased the number that could be distributed to a maximum of 20 sets (previously 5 sets) on the first visit; a maximum 60 sets (previously 15 sets) on subsequent visits; and an exceptional upper limit of 120 sets (previously 30 sets) for holiday periods when facilities are closed or are difficult to access. These exchanges are subject to the return of used equipment for safe disposal. This study set out to evaluate the effects of this change on IDUs' risk behaviours.