DIABETES sufferers are being asked to ensure the needles they use are disposed of safely.

Craven, Harrogate and the Rural District Primary Care Trust (PCT) is issuing diabetics with rigid plastic bins.

The bins are being distributed after reports that the needles, used to administer insulin, are turning up in domestic waste. The needles can pose a serious risk to people who collect rubbish and others who may come into contact with it.

The bins are sealed so they cannot be opened and have a slot where the needle can be inserted. They are available on prescription and can be collected from GP surgeries or local pharmacies.

Once full, they are returned to the practice, where arrangements are in place for them to be collected by a specialist company.

Tara Cox, primary care development manager at the PCT, said: "We are aware there has been some confusion about disposal practices and who is responsible for making sure needles can be disposed of safely. We hope the new policy will be simple and effective for everyone.

"The infection risk from 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.

"Many people are already using these sharps bins, which are convenient and safe, and we want to make sure that all patients with diabetes who use needles follow the correct disposal procedure."

Anyone with questions about safe needle disposal can contact Sonya Mills, community infection control nurse, or Tara Cox, on (01423) 815150.