New sharps alert

Published: 25 January 2013

RCN members are being encouraged to read a new alert regarding sharps and sharps containers transported in staff vehicles.

Exposed or inadequately protected sharps left in the vehicles of health care staff put occupants and service personnel at risk of needle stick injury.

The alert was issued by the Health and Safety Executive and Department of Health after a car leasing company’s valet personnel were injured by used, loose and unprotected hypodermic needles left by clinical staff.

Read the sharps and sharps containers transported in staff vehicles alert on the Department of Health website.