Kia ora NZNEP whānau,
We know access to equipment matters, so we want to share where things are at with our equipment supplies.
Right now, some equipment and products are harder to get from our outlets and online shop than they should be. This is unfortunately due to an issue with our supplier. We know this can be frustrating, stressful, and disruptive, especially for those of you who rely on these supplies to stay safe and well.
Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora are working on this issue and have issued us with the following statement:
“Health NZ is aware of issues pertaining to the supply of safe injecting equipment and how this is impacting on clients, front line staff at regional needle exchanges, pharmacies and alternative providers that support the needle exchange programme.
New Zealand has one of the lowest rates of transmission of blood borne diseases amongst the injecting drug community and maintaining this position is essential in protecting the health of clients and the wider community.
Health NZ is working closely with the contracted supply chain and logistics provider to ensure continuity of supply, including sourcing appropriate substitute products where necessary. Health NZ is also exploring options to divert Health NZ stock to support to the needle exchange programme.
What is happening now:
- The contracted supply chain and logistics provider is reviewing its internal processes to ensure orders are placed in a timely manner and a minimum of 3 months’ supply is maintained.
- Health NZ is monitoring performance to ensure no further issues around the availability of equipment.
- Some pharmacy kits are being distributed without sharps containers but with all other equipment until the immediate stock issue is resolved.
- Where appropriate substitute stock is being ordered, but only when approved by the regional needle exchange providers.
We apologise for this, and we are working as quickly as possible to resolve these issues and put in place future mitigations. If you have any questions, please contact:
Leigh Sturgiss – needleexchange@tewhatuora.govt.nz “
We’ll update this page as soon as there’s anything new to share. Thank you for your patience. Your safety and wellbeing do matter to us.
NZNEP team