Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that contracts with pharmacies in NHS Lothian to receive and replace used sharps bins for patients requiring to take injectable medicines
S6W-32367 · Written Question · lodged by Gulhane, Sandesh
Lodged on
12 Dec 2024Heard / answered on
23 Dec 2024To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that contracts with pharmacies in NHS Lothian to receive and replace used sharps bins for patients requiring to take injectable medicines have ended due to lack of funds.
The answer
The Scottish Government is aware that currently some individuals across NHS Lothian are experiencing difficulties disposing of their sharps waste.While the provision of NHS pharmaceutical services is the responsibility of the Scottish Government, the responsibility for providing arrangements for individuals to safely dispose of prescribed needles and other associated sharps waste is the responsibility of local Health Boards. In NHS Lothian this is delivered by community pharmacies through a local enhanced service for prescribed medicines and sharps waste disposal.The Scottish Government is in close contact with NHS Lothian, and the Board is actively working with their four Health and Social Care Partnerships and Community Pharmacy Lothian to address the situation.
Answered by Jenni Minto on 23 Dec 2024.