A LOCAL councillor has highlighted the problems of diabetes sufferers following a far-reaching survey in his ward.

Clayton-le-Woods Labour councillor, David Bland, carried out a house to house survey last month. Among the many issues raised by residents was the problems posed by disposing of needles.

Councillor Bland said: "One diabetic I spoke to said that he had been told to break their needles and push them into a coke can and throw it into the bin."

Councillor Bland says he is approaching local health organisations to find a permanent solution.

Local GP, Doctor SK Bora, who runs his own surgery on Eaves Lane, Chorley, said he provided adequate cover for diabetics. "Usually, we provide needles in yellow disposable boxes, which can be sealed with the used needle inside," he said.

"This is collected at the end of every month and is disposed of along with out-of-date drugs in an incinerator.

"What I do at my surgery is to ask for more needles for diabetes sufferers."

Alison Johnstone, who runs various focus groups for the region's diabetics on behalf of Chorley and South Ribble Primary Care Group, added: "The issue of disposing and obtaining needles for diabetics is obviously one of our main priorities in primary and secondary care.

"At the moment we are talking to many diabetics throughout the South Ribble and Chorley area in the guise of focus groups to gauge if there are any problems of this nature.

"Obviously, any comments or inputs relating to this issue will be taken on board and taken very seriously."

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