YOUR article 'Slam the door on druggies' (LET, October 14) is extremely worrying for the local community.
The dangers from carelessly-discarded syringes are very real and there is a potential risk of hepatitis 'B' or even HIV transmission from accidental 'needle stick' injuries.
More initiatives are desperately needed to introduce needle-exchange schemes for addicts, involving the safe disposal of syringes in rigid, lockable, puncture-proof 'sharp' units, which will help reduce the problem.
Arrangements should be made for the units to be supplied, collected and incinerated by a reputable company.
The majority of doctors, dentists, vets, tattoo artists and hospitals are helping to reduce the problem by using 'sharps' units, which also means they are conforming with the legal requirements and meeting their Duty of Care obligations.
BARRY SANDERS, General Manager, Initial Medical Services.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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