MOVES to encourage the safe disposal of needles to prevent the risk of people being infected have been hailed a success by health chiefs.

Needles are used regularly by people with diabetes to administer insulin and by other patients who are prescribed self-injected medication.

A lack of clarity over disposal facilities and reports that needles have been turning up in domestic waste, posing a risk to people who collect rubbish, led to growing concern.

As a result, Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust, district councils, GPs and pharmacies agreed to introduce a scheme for the safe disposal of needles.

The scheme has been in operation this year and encourages people who use needles to dispose of them free in rigid plastic bins.

The bins can be kept at home without any risk because they are sealed and have a slot for the needle to be put in.

When full, they are returned to GP practices or pharmacies, from where they are collected.

Director of public health Dr Phil Kirby said: "This new initiative is proving to be simple and effective for everyone and has been very well received by patients.

"The infection risk from used needles is a real one, and we want to make every effort to ensure that people are not harmed because needles are wrongly disposed of in domestic rubbish."

To request a bin, call (01845) 573819.