Recovering heroin addicts offered monthly injections during pandemic

Wales is to become the first part of the UK to offer a once-a-month injection for recovering heroin addicts to help protect NHS staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

The injection of slow-release buprenorphine will replace the daily oral medication used to aid heroin addicts in their recovery.

It is hoped it will relieve pressure on pharmacy and NHS services by reducing the amount of contact between individuals and frontline staff.

The treatment is clinically tested and former heroin users will be screened for their suitability before they receive the slow-release injection.

The Welsh Government hopes the new service will reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus from repeated daily visits to pharmacies.

It has also announced £10m to support people who are homeless or sleeping rough during the pandemic.