If you find a needle or a syringe:

• Do not touch it
• Do not hide it
• Do not let anyone else touch it
• Do not put in a dustbin or litter bin 

You should contact the owner of the building, or if it is found in a public place contact the local council or local Police station. They will arrange to have the needle disposed of properly.

If you do have to move it because of immediate dangers or there is a delay for the syringe or needle to be collected, then:

• Find a suitable container, eg: metal drinks can
• Take the container to the needle or syringe
• Handle the syringe carefully avoiding the needle, ideally this should be done with tongs, tweezers or heavy duty gloves
• Put the sharp end in the container first
• Then wash your hands thoroughly
• Keep the container somewhere safe awaiting collection 

If you or someone else is injured by a needle

• Encourage bleeding for a minute or two by squeezing the wound to flush out the germs.
• If the skin is broken by a needle, contact your local Doctor or Hospital Accident and Emergency Department for confidential advice.
• There is a low risk of getting blood borne infection from a needle injury eg: HIV, Hepatitis.
• The best action is to receive immediate confidential advice.

Who to contact if you are worried about a needle or syringe injury

• Chesterfield Royal Hospital   01246 277271
• Derby Royal Infirmary   01332 347141
• Ilkeston Hospital   0115 930 5522
• Kings Mill Centre   01623 622515
• Queens Hospital, Burton on Trent   01283 566333
• Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham   0115 924 9924
• Tameside General Hospital   0161 331 6248
• NHS Direct   0845 46 47