What to do with unwanted needle stocks?

Several times recently, I have been asked what happens to unwanted needle and blade stocks, or for suggestions for cost-effective and environmentally sound disposal.

The circumstances arise from introduction of safety-engineered sharps safety devices. With the recent introduction of those safer devices – not all Trust are up to speed on this, despite a legal obligation to do so – huge stocks of old traditional and non-safety engineers devices are being taken of the shelves. It’s not just the occasional box, but many tens of thousands of boxes, of needles of every size, including specialist needles and blades for every purpose, as well as stitch cutters and the like.

Well, the could be destroyed probably as commercial (trade) waste though not as clinical since they have never been used. But far better options exist. In many resource-poor countries, high rates of infection are common and made far worse by needle sharing that is itself a consequence of lack of material and other resources. Telling those involved to use a clean needle for every infection is of no value if the products are not available, and what we are about to throw away can make a huge difference.

Thankfully, several charitable organisations work hard to redistribute unwanted but perfectly usable medical equipment and devices to those in need. One such organisation is InterCare who will collect and send to those in need any suitable unused equipment items, including some pharmaceuticals.

There is some concern that it would be unethical to give what we now consider to be unsafe standard hypodermic needles and blades to those in need, as if charitable giving must always reach the standards that we apply to our own use. But when you haven’t got a clean needle and the only other option is one previously used to inject many other patients, what would you prefer?

Please consider charitable giving to redistribute unwanted needles and blades when introducing safety-engineered sharps.

It saves money (for disposal). These are unused but usable consumables, that will be reused elsewhere. There are no waste regulatory implications for the donor.

Most importantly, it provides enhanced care for those in need and it saves lives.

What better reason to contact InterCare or one of the other agencies. There are many of them, waiting for your call.

 

 

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