Description
Book SynopsisIt all began in moment of great triumph and political courage. Then there were complications: fierce opposition in the parliament including from the Australian prime minister John Howard, interference by the Vatican and the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board, heated community debate and a court action. Finally, in May 2001, Australia's first legally sanctioned medically supervised injecting centre opened with the challenge to save the lives of injecting drug users.In the Eye of the Needle traces the story of the centre's first 30 months and the battles to justify its existence. It introduces us to the harrowing world of injecting drug users, their tragedies and successes and the outstanding efforts of a group of health professionals dedicated to saving lives.Despite its success, the injecting centre continues to provoke debate. This is a story that will not go away. In the Eye of the Needle provides a unique insiders account of what continues to be one of the most controversial public health approaches of today.
Table of ContentsAcronymsMaps + diagramsPrologue1. In the beginning2. Preparing to open the doors3. The first days4. One whole month5. Finally establishing our routine6. Of needlesticks and dogs7. Death of a colleague and friend8. Reaching the six-month milestone9. A new year, new challenges10. European drug consumption centres'11. Celebrating our first birthday12. Managing drug overdoses13. The 18-month trial ends quietly14. Of heroin and nursing shortages15. A serious investigation16. Drafting the evaluation report17. The public release of the evaluation report18. Decisions, decisions19. And so ended the first trial
