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Search forNeedle-stab woman facing anxious wait for blood test results
Thursday, August 07, 2008, 23:00
Mrs Dowle, 54, of Beacon Heath, Exeter, had to go to the city's accident and emergency unit for treatment after the needle pierced her skin, making her finger bleed.
She has now been given a three-month supply of hepatitis B injections, and although doctors have said it is unlikely she will contract the disease, she has to wait six months to get the all-clear.
It happened when Mrs Dowle, 54, was shopping in the city centre and went to the toilets in Guinea Street, off Market Street.
She was shocked to see a number of syringes on the floor, and after reaching for the toilet roll, she pricked her finger on a needle left on top of a sanitary bin.
"My finger bled, so I immediately washed it, which the doctor said was the right thing to do," she said.
"As soon as it happened, I went straight to Boots and staff sent me to the walk-in centre, where I was referred to casualty."
While in the toilets, Mrs Dowle cleared all the needles off the floor and put them in the sanitary bin.
She said: "I was afraid children would come into the toilets and have the same thing happen to them. I was surprised when I looked in the bin to see an empty handbag in there, I can only assume it might have been stolen from someone to pay for the drug habits of these users."
After the incident, Mrs Dowle complained to the city council, which maintains the loos. She was told the toilets, which are open from 7am until 7pm, were cleaned twice daily.
Mrs Dowle said: "I told my friends of the incident and they were surprised I even used the toilets, as apparently they are well-known for drug use."
The Guinea Street loos are among 27 public conveniences across the city, and one of four in the city centre, which get cleaned regularly.
Only the bus station toilets in Paris Street, which are used most, have a permanent cleaner.
Mike Trim, head of the city council's cleansing services, said: "We are aware that there is misuse of public conveniences and are working closely with the police and community wardens.
"Blue lighting to prevent people seeing their veins has been fitted in each cubicle, but we have to take into consideration people who are partially sighted and legitimate users, such as diabetics, and have therefore left natural light in the entrance of the toilets.
"Sadly, people who are determined will always find a way to inject.
"I would ask people to be cautious wherever they go and advise anyone who finds a syringe to contact the council on 01392 665010."
Janet Dowle who was pricked on the ring finger of her left hand by a hypodermic needle in the Guinea Street public toilets in Exeter MATT MINSHULL EE050808_MM01_04
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