A FURIOUS diabetic has been left with hundreds of used needles because her doctor, pharmacist and dustmen all refuse to take them.

Pamela Jackson-Smith is outraged that no provision exists for disposing of her needle waste and small lancets, used for taking blood samples.

Mrs Jackson-Smith now has 300 used needles she wants to dispose of responsibly, but she has been left confronting a "brick wall of bureaucracy" because her doctor's surgery, pharmacy and refuse collection department do not accept responsibility for disposal.

Mrs Jackson-Smith, of Droitwich, said she had become particularly frustrated because, in the past, she had been able to hand her used needles to her pharmacist and the Droitwich Health Centre in Ombersley Road, which gave her a sharps box for her to exchange when full.

But the boxes are no longer issued, which she says means her options are closed.

"I think it's all to do with funding, but I think I should be able to dispose of my needles at my surgery, where I get them from," said Mrs Jackson-Smith. "I spoke to another local surgery and they do provide sharps boxes, yet mine won't."

The Diabetes Association advises sufferers to dispose of needle waste in opaque washing-up bottles to leave for the dustmen.

"This was advised as long as it was OK with the refuse collectors, but they knew nothing about it," said Mrs Jackson-Smith, of Trent Close.