Blood Borne Viruses

The Isle of Wight drug treatment services aim to raise awareness of the growing prevalence of Hepatitis C, and the risks of other blood borne viruses. This information provides a very brief outline of statistics and how people can get help locally. The Drug Action Team seeks to promote harm reduction and share knowledge and information working closely with the IOW Sexual Health Services and the IOW Health Promotion Unit at the Public Health Department.

One of the ways in which injecting drug users can reduce the risk of a Blood Borne Virus is through ensuring that needles and other equipment is clean. This is why we have a pharmacy needle exchange service available in many IOW Localities:

Pharmacy Needle exchanges


The Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service will provide Hepatitis B and C testing and will be offering Hepatitis B vaccinations.

Island Drugs and Alcohol Service (IDAS),
102, Carisbrooke Road
Newport
Phone: 01983 526654

Other Testing

Free confidential testing is available at the
Sexual Health Service Clinic
St Marys Hospital
Newport
Phone: 01983 534202 for appointments

Support and Advice

Kate Suitor, Blood Borne Virus Care Manager
Phone: 01983 550980 Mobile: 07976 009226 Email: kate.suitor@iow.gov.uk

Health Promotion

46 Sea Street
Newport
Isle of Wight
PO30 5BL
Phone: 01983 814284
Fax:  01983 814300