What to do if you find a hypodermic needle or syringe in a public place.

The Highland Health Board advises everyone not to touch needles unless you are very sure of being able to dispose of them safely. Parents should tell their children never to touch a needle or syringe and to get an adult to take it away safely.

If you do find a needle and want to protect others from it cover it with something like a bucket before phoning Highland Council Protective Services on 703968. (The News and Views phoned this number and they confirmed they do remove needles from public places.)

Sometimes collections cannot be made immediately so if you feel you need to do something yourself follow the Health Board's rules:-

• Don't touch it with your bare hands.
• Don't separate the needle from the syringe.
• Use heavy duty rubber gloves or tweezers.
• Bring a suitable container like a drinks can or glass jar to the needle (not the needle to the container).
• Don't hold the container with your other hand while you put the needle into the container - you might miss the opening but hit your hand.
• Put the sharp end of the needle in first.
• Put the container somewhere safe to await collection.

It is probably best that you just cover the needle up and call for help. Please do not put a needle into a dustbin or down a drain: you could cause an injury to someone else.

If someone is injured by a needle encourage bleeding for a minute or two by squeezing the wound to push out any germs and then wash the area with soap and water. The risk of infection is very small but you must contact your doctor or a casualty department for advice immediately.

If you find a needle in the area covered by the South Kessock Community Safety Project you can call them for advice on 718912. The News and Views would like to hear about your experiences of finding needles and getting rid of them. Get in touch with us at 2/4 Grant Street.