RCN achieves full implementation of regulations to protect nurses

Published: 09 May 2013

For immediate release: Thursday 9 May 2013

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today welcomed the implementation of regulations coming into force from Saturday 11 May to protect staff from needlestick injuries, which can result in serious infections such as HIV and Hepatitis.

An estimated one million needlestick injuries occur in the European Union each year , with more than 100,000 occurring each year in the UK alone . The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) lobbied hard in the European Union for a directive which led to these regulations in 2010, and which is now being made a reality in UK law. The RCN has taken a lead in encouraging safer practice through issuing guidance and organising joint workshops for health staff.

Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the RCN said:
“This is a significant victory which has been hard won and demonstrates the importance of influencing EU health policy to benefit nurses and nursing. We have always believed that nurses and health care assistants should not have to go to work fearing that they could be exposed to serious infections. It is horrific to have serious infections such as Hepatitis and HIV simply because steps haven’t been taken to avoid preventable accidents. We made a commitment to our members to make this happen. Now that the regulations to prevent needlesticks are enshrined in law, we hope that employers are now ready to implement them and to protect their staff.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

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, healthcare assistants 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.