Emily Lockhart was in town about 4.30 pm when her daughter said she needed the toilet.
“We used the disabled toilet, when we walked in the state of it was appalling, but she was desperate, so she had to use it,” Ms Lockhart said.
“After she finished we were washing hour hands and I turned around and she said ‘Mum what's that?’ as she went to grab a syringe sticking out the top of the yellow receptacle.
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“I shouted at her ‘don’t touch them’ and I grabbed her hands as she reached for one.
“I believe if I wasn’t there, she would have had a needle-stick injury.”
Being a nurse who has specific training for, and has dealt with needle-prick injuries, Ms Lockhart knows what it is like for people to wait for a blood test result in that situation.
She immediately contacted council to report the issue.
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“I was told that the person in charge of that wasn’t available, so I said it was imperative.
“She then reassured me something would be done.
“I went past and had a look today (Wednesday, May 5), they have just pushed the syringes down further.
“If someone else uses it and puts one on top it will overflow again.
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“I do not think they have been emptied and disposed of in a safe manner.”
Benalla Rural City chief executive officer Dom Testoni said council was aware of increased use of the syringe receptacles and was checking them regularly.
“Cleaners empty the syringe receptacles in the Denny St carpark toilets daily,” Mr Testoni said.
“Due to a recent increase in the use of sharps disposal units, council staff are undertaking additional daily inspections.”
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If a member of the public sees any needles protruding from a receptacle, or anywhere in the Denny St toilets, they can phone Benalla Rural City's 24-hour contact on 5760 2600.
“Calls between 5 pm and 8.30 am will be answered by the council’s after-hours emergency service and referred for action,” Mr Testoni said.
“If you get pricked by a discarded needle or syringe flush the injured area with flowing water, wash the wound well with soap and warm water, dry the wound and apply a waterproofdressing.
“As soon as possible, seek medical attention for an assessment of the risk of infection and appropriate treatment.”
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