Tot sucks used needle from health centre bin

AGONISING WAIT . . . Daniel and Shareen Mills with toddler Harvey who may have caught hepatitis from a dirty needle

HORRIFIED parents found their baby son sucking a used needle during a visit to a medical centre.

Daniel Mills (22) and his wife Shareen (28) said 21-month-old Harvey took the needle from an overflowing bin in an cupboard at Cannon Street Health Centre.

Now they are forced to wait an agonising 12 months to find out if he is infected with hepatitis.

Mr Mills, from Broadway Street, Hathershaw, said his wife took their four-month-old son Lewis for his immunisation. He said: “Harvey was playing in the room and somehow managed to walk out to a cupboard facing it.

“When my wife looked up, she saw him with a needle in his mouth. The cupboard door was unlocked and she could see an overflowing plastic needle bin.”

The family was advised to visit the Walk-In Centre, but from there they were sent to the Royal Oldham Hospital’s Accident and Emergency department. Mr and Mrs Mills were told by NHS staff that Harvey needed an immediate Hepatitis B vaccination, followed up by jabs in one, two and 12 months’ time.

Mr Mills said they are now considering legal action.

He said: “My wife was hysterical. We are both very stressed and angry.

“It should be basic health and safety to dispose of needles properly, and the cupboard should have been locked.”

Gail Richards, chief executive of NHS Oldham, said: “This is something no family should have to go through.

“We have launched an immediate investigation and I would personally like to reassure the family that all necessary steps will be taken to get to the bottom of this incident.

“We have spoken to the family and have also issued immediate instructions to all NHS staff emphasising the importance of ensuring sharps bins are kept secure and used appropriately at all times.”