❓ A WA parliamentary question raises concerns about children accessing fitpacks (needle and syringe program) and potential misuse in Broome. The Minister's response emphasizes harm reduction and confidentiality.
AnsweredQoN 1099Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
FITPACKS — NEEDLE AND SYRINGE PROGRAM — BROOME HOSPITAL
1099. Hon NEIL THOMSON to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Health:
I
refer to concerns raised with me by health professionals that children as young
as eight years old are being provided fitpacks through the Department of
Health's free needle program and the concern that those needles are
being used for drug use by either themselves or other adults or children.
(1) Are there any restrictions on
the age of a person requesting a fitpack?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) Does the department maintain
any records of persons requesting a fitpack?
(4) How many sharps disposal bins does the Department
of Health provide in and around the Broome Hospital grounds, which are
accessible to people acquiring fitpacks?
1099. Hon NEIL THOMSON to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Health:
I
refer to concerns raised with me by health professionals that children as young
as eight years old are being provided fitpacks through the Department of
Health's free needle program and the concern that those needles are
being used for drug use by either themselves or other adults or children.
(1) Are there any restrictions on
the age of a person requesting a fitpack?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) Does the department maintain
any records of persons requesting a fitpack?
(4) How many sharps disposal bins does the Department
of Health provide in and around the Broome Hospital grounds, which are
accessible to people acquiring fitpacks?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. The following answer has been provided by the
Minister for Health.
(1)–(2) Fitpacks
are distributed in line with best practice to reduce the bloodborne virus risk
of those using intravenous drugs. When distributing fitpacks, clinical
judgement is used as well as providing information and referrals to drug
services where appropriate.
(3) In accordance
with harm reduction principles, patient confidentiality is maintained when
distributing fitpacks. Additionally, fitpacks are provided by a range of
providers, including private operators.
(4) There are two sharps disposal
bins on the hospital grounds.
some notice of the question. The following answer has been provided by the
Minister for Health.
(1)–(2) Fitpacks
are distributed in line with best practice to reduce the bloodborne virus risk
of those using intravenous drugs. When distributing fitpacks, clinical
judgement is used as well as providing information and referrals to drug
services where appropriate.
(3) In accordance
with harm reduction principles, patient confidentiality is maintained when
distributing fitpacks. Additionally, fitpacks are provided by a range of
providers, including private operators.
(4) There are two sharps disposal
bins on the hospital grounds.
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