Action On Preventing Needlestick Injuries

New legislation is on the way to protect nurses from needlestick injuries.

A 2008 survey by the Royal College of Nursing found that almost half of all nurses (48 per cent) had been stuck by a needle or sharp that had previously been used on a patient.

Across the European Union there are more than one million needle-stick injuries every year. This new directive, from the European Union Council, aims to protect healthcare workers from needlestick injuries and was written by EU representatives of hospital employers and workers.

Needlestick injuries in hospitals are one of the most widespread and serious risks to health workers, potentially transmitting more than 20 life-threatening viruses, including Hepatitis B, C and HIV.

The directive "will represent an important contribution to the protection of health and safety of workers active in the hospital sector", says the resolution, which is backed by Members of the European Parliament.

The Royal College of Nursing survey also found that over half of nurses (52 per cent) fear needlestick injuries either 'a great deal' or 'a fair amount', but nearly half (45 per cent) of nurses said they had not received training on safe needle use.

Janet Davies of the RCN says: "Sharps policies, training and investment in safer needles can help prevent these accidents from happening in the first place. Nurses must also receive proper support from their employers when they sustain an injury to prevent the isolation which can add to their distress.

"By making these changes and safeguarding the health of all staff, we will improve patient care in the UK and throughout Europe."