Union wants code for syringe sellers

Press, 7 April 1987, Page 8

Union wants code for syringe sellers

PA Wellington The Shop Employees’ Union says it wants a code of practice to guide members who might have to handle drug addicts’ used syringes. The Chemists’ Guild, the Pharmaceutical Society and the Government have agreed that pharmacies should sell needles and syringes to drug users to help prevent the spread of A.I.D.S. But some pharmacists have expressed alarm at this suggestion and said staff handling any used needles could risk cuts or infections. The secretary of the Shop Employees’ Union,

Mr Graham Kelly, said yesterday that the union would insist on three conditions to be met for the protection of its members: They would not be put in a position where they broke the law (relating to drug enforcement); they would not be at risk physically or medically; and, there would be strict guidelines in dealing with the syringe-swap scheme. Mr Kelly said that given the reservations of some pharmacists and the concern shown by the police and Government over the issue, he hoped a code of practice would be drawn up to cover workers involved in the scheme.