Bureaucracy
SIR, — I am a diabetic, recently dependent on insulin. The needles I use are small and encased in plastic. I had been saving my needles (sharps) in a strongbox. When I took it to the chemist requesting that they dispose of it, they said they were not allo
SIR, - I am a diabetic, recently dependent on insulin. The needles I use are small and encased in plastic. I had been saving my needles (sharps) in a strongbox. When I took it to the chemist requesting that they dispose of it, they said they were not allowed to take it - it was unsafe to store them at the pharmacy.
The pharmacist thought I would have to contact the district council and gave me a phone number. She also suggested that I take the box to my doctor - but there again they are not allowed to take it.
I phoned the council. The required the needles to be stored in a safe box. Where do I get the box? Complete a council form, which would be sent immediately. Then apply to my doctor for a prescription for a box. The pharmacy would then provide the box. Then I would phone the council on Monday or Friday for the box to be collected on Wednesday.
I now have the bright yellow box with a label on the outside stating: Contaminated sharps only - "danger" destroy by incineration.
On the Wednesday I am instructed to "please place the clinical waste items on your doorstep by 7am on the morning of collection".
Presumably that's where they are the safest.
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ANN NADIM,
Jersey Farm, St Albans.