New needle vending machines installed at Horizon hubs
Vending machines with sterile drug-use equipment have been installed at two North Yorkshire Horizons hubs to improve access to needle exchange equipment.
The machines, located at Harrogate and Scarborough, are free to access, available now and incredibly simple to use. Users can operate the vending machine with a plastic token given out by hub reception staff.
James Royal, Lead Practitioner at Harrogate, said: “These machines deliver a complete pre-packed needle exchange service, with everything needed provided in the box.
“Clients can choose from 1mm or 2mm needle packs, and both include a needle disposal safe-lock sharps bin, and when used, this ensures the used needle is safe from needle stick injuries.
“The machines are really easy to use and it literally takes two seconds to insert the token, twist the knob and collect the package. This will allow clients to access clean equipment from our Harrogate and Scarborough hubs quickly and safely.”
As well as providing an easy to use service, the hub staff are on site to provide advice and support, not just for needle exchange information, but also for harm minimisation advice information across North Yorkshire.
The Care Quality Commission recently rated the service as “Outstanding” and by providing these new vending machines, the service continues to deliver innovative quality care.
The two hubs are based at 7 Park Street, Harrogate, and 56-60 Castle Road, Scarborough. Both are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm to answer queries, offer open access needle exchange and triages and assessments over the telephone.
