Needle and Syringe Program (NSP)

The Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) is a non-judgemental, confidential, friendly service which aims to minimise the spread of blood-borne viruses through the provision of injecting equipment and ways to appropriately dispose of used injecting equipment.

The NSPs have specialised staff who can provide interventions, referrals, equipment demonstrations and information.

The Needle and Syringe Program is a free service supported by the Crown through the Department of Health (Tasmania).

Types of NSP's in Tasmania

The Needle and Syringe Program consists of Primary and Secondary NSP outlets, Community Pharmacy NSP outlets and NSP vending machines.

Primary Outlets

Primary NSP Outlets provide:

a range of injecting equipment (needles and syringes, alcohol swabs, winged infusion sets)
make referrals
liaise with local agencies such as health, drug treatment and welfare agencies
distribute sharps disposal container alcohol swabs, pill filters and sterile water for injection
services and education for the appropriate disposal of used injecting equipment
provide free take-home naloxone (anti-overdose medication) to people at risk of opioid -related overdose.

Secondary Outlets

Secondary NSPs are programs operating within existing organisations, such as community health centres, regional hospitals and community houses. They distribute fit packs containing 1, 3 and 5ml syringes. They may provide services for appropriate disposal of used injecting equipment.

Community Pharmacy NSP Outlets

Community Pharmacy NSP outlets supply fit packs containing 1, 3 and 5ml syringes for a fee.

Vending Machines

NSP Vending machines supply fit packs containing 1, 3 and 4ml syringes for a fee.

Current List of all NSP Outlets in Tasmania

Anglicare Tasmania's Primary NSP Outlets

Anglicare Tasmania manages three Primary Needle & Syringe Program Outlets in Tasmania at their Northwest office in Burnie and in the South at their Glenorchy and Hobart offices.

Use the map feature below to find the outlet locations and opening times in the South and Northwest.

Call us on 1800 243 232

Anglicare Tasmania's Primary NSP Outlets

South

Anglicare Glenorchy – 03 6213 3547
Open Monday to Friday 10 am to 4.30 pm.
Closed for Lunch 12 to 12.30 pm.
436 Main Road, Glenorchy

Anglicare Hobart – 03 6213 3943
Open Monday to Friday 12.30 to 5pm.
159 Collins Street, Hobart

*Not open on public holidays

North West

Anglicare Burnie – 03 6430 3342
51 Wilmot Street, Burnie
Open Monday to Friday 10 am -2.3opm.

*Not open on public holidays

Needle and Syringe Disposal Guidelines

The attached flyer provides some guidance for the safe disposal of used syringes and other injecting equipment.

If this is something that you and other people that you live or work with need to do on a regular basis, we recommend that you print this A4 flyer and display.

Thank you for helping to keep everyone safe from the contraction of Blood-Borne Viruses.

Needle and Syring Disposal Guidelines

Latest resources

View all resources

Safe Water Usage

Water is precious and so are you!
Make sure your water is keeping you safe.

Find tips on how to avoid contaminated water and best practices for sterilising your water. Download flyer

What is Naloxone?

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose caused by opioids.

Find tips on how to identify the signs of an opioid overdose and how to use naloxone. Download flyer

Tying off

Tips for using tourniquets.

Find instructions on how to properly use a tourniquet and tips to avoid contamination or improper use. Download flyer

Luke's NSP story*

I’m so happy to be able to walk in here and not only be able to get equipment, but also be understood.

Sometimes things are hard but that’s when I know I can get support here.

I lost a long-time friend from health complications on the weekend and I knew I could come in here and not be judged.

It never gets any easier, believe me, but on the upside I’m amazed at how much support I’ve had from everyone here.

I’ve been offered free counselling as well. I’m feeling stronger.

*The person’s name has been changed for privacy reasons.