CONCERNS have been raised over the “irresponsible” way that hospital staff are instructing patients to dispose of used needles.

Patients being prescribed insulin at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, in Paisley, are issued with a ‘sharps box’ – a specially-designed rigid container with a lid – to allow them to get rid of their needles safely.

However, Erskine woman Joan Lannigan claims she spoke to a nurse at the RAH’s diabetic unit who told her that used needles could be placed in a household container, such as an empty plastic bottle, and put in a bin bag, where they would then be collected along with everyday waste.

Joan, whose mum is diabetic, said: “I contacted public health about this. It is an accident waiting to happen.”

She added: “My mum has tried to return needles to a surgery in Erskine as part of a needle exchange but there was a reluctance to take the boxes back.”

Park Mains resident Joan also told how an insulin syringe was found lying on the ground in her street.

She said: “A young man had picked up a bright blue and orange-coloured insulin pen after mistaking it for a marker.

“As my mum is diabetic, I recognised what it was and emptied it. Imagine it had been a child who found it.

“People aren’t routinely tested for blood-borne viruses and hepatitis, so this could have ended much worse.”

However, a spokesman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said all patients prescribed insulin at the RAH are issued with a sharps box.

He added: “The patients are given instructions on how to use the boxes and advised to return them to the hospital, when two-thirds full, where they will be disposed of safely and a new box will be issued.

“Patients are not advised to use household containers to dispose of needles or sharps boxes. The correct practice has been reiterated to staff working in the diabetes service.”