A review of needle exchange in Glasgow in 2001 noted that drug injectors continue to be at high risk of infection from HIV, hepatites B and C viruses and other micro-organisms through sharing and other unhygienic uses of injection equipment (Gruer 2001). The review suggested that there was an urgent need to increase efforts to prevent the spread of these infections. Further, a Scottish report, ‘Preventing HCV in Scotland: Options for Action’ recommends that research to explore how needle exchanges vary in their clientele, and how different groups of drug users access these schemes, should be conducted. It further recommends that a reporting scheme for clients attending exchanges should be developed (HEBS 2002).

In Glasgow, needle exchange is provided at 4 key facilities; pharmacy needle exchanges, Glasgow Drug Problem Service (GDPS) needle exchanges, Base 75 and Glasgow Drug Crisis Centre (GDCC). Activity data are collected at all these services. This report focuses on pharmacy needle exchange, but draws on data from the other needle exchange facilities for comparative purposes.

The project had three key aims:
1. to examine activity levels and client profiles at pharmacy needle exchanges over a six year period
2. to compare activity levels and client profiles at pharmacy needle exchanges with other needle exchange facilities in the city
3. to develop a database for Greater Glasgow pharmacy needle exchange