THE number of used needles and syringes found in public areas is causing plenty of concern in Port Macquarie.
Council staff have reported a significant increase in the number of sharps being found across the town, particularly in public amenities and in parks and gardens.
General manager Tony Hayward said he was aware of at least one needlestick injury in recent weeks, with another near miss reported late last month.
Council staff have been advised to exercise extreme caution when working outdoors to minimise the risk of needle stick injury and are using collection notification forms to help identify problem areas.
Mr Hayward urged residents and visitors to be similarly cautious when using parks and gardens and to dispose of their sharps responsibly.
While the risk of acquiring a serious infection as a result of a needlestick injury is considered extremely low, Mr Hayward acknowledged that the anxiety resulting from such an injury could be significant.
“Because of the risk of injury to council workers and other members of the community sharps should never be left in household waste or recycling bins, in public litter bins, flushed down drains or toilets or discarded into the environment,” Mr Hayward said.
“Those people who find a syringe in a public place should call the Needle Clean-Up Hotline on 1800 633 353 or Port Macquarie-Hastings Council on 6581 8111.”
