Nurses need better protection from the threat of catching infectious diseases via needle injuries
Published: 27 November 2008
Commenting on the Health Protection Agency’s- Eye of the Needle: United Kingdom Surveillance of significant Occupational Exposure to Bloodbourne viruses in Healthcare Workers -report, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College, said:
“These findings reflect the everyday threat that needle injuries pose to nurses up and down the country. We pointed out the risks that healthcare professionals face in our report last week and now the Health Protection Agency are adding to the mounting evidence. The case for action from health service managers and legislation from Government has never been stronger. Employers in the NHS need to take this issue seriously by investing in safer alternatives to traditional needles, so that these accidents don’t happen the first place.
“We want to work with Government and employers to end the trauma, stress and sometimes lethal consequences of needle injuries.”
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Notes for Editors
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Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.