The continued prevalence of intravenous illegal drug use prompted measures to make it safer. Users of non-sterile equipment were at risk, not only from the effects of the drug, but also from transmitted infections from the needle. Initiatives in the UK and elsewhere offered registered drug users free sterile disposable syringes and needles. These needles are made by Sutherland Health Ltd. and made available to intravenous drug users by the 'Caravan' project of St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London, 1995.