Over 1 million needlestick injuries are estimated to occur in the European Union every year, with 100,000 of these estimated within the UK. Needlestick injuries are one of the most common and serious risks to healthcare workers. The EU Sharps Directive aims to prevent many of these avoidable injuries.
Mölnlycke Health Care hosted a sharps workshop at the recent Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) Congress in Bournemouth. The educational symposium, entitled: ‘Sharpen Up For The EU Directive’, provided a practical insight on how to implement the new EU sharps directive as all healthcare providers within the EU must comply by May 2013.
The Mölnlycke workshop was chaired by Jane Aston, Clinical Nurse Consultant at Mölnlycke Health Care, who introduced the legislation to delegates. Guest speaker, Dr Jayne Cutter, Lecturer in Infection Control at Swansea University, presented findings from her research identifying factors that influence infection control in operating theatres. Some of the key findings include that just over 20 per cent of people questioned double gloved for all patients, while 10 per cent never double gloved. The remaining 70 per cent only double gloved for known or suspected infection.
Commenting on the findings, Jane Aston says: “If the standard precaution guidelines are adhered to, every patient should be considered as a potential source of risk of bloodborne virus. Unfortunately, many healthcare workers are still unaware of potential risks following a sharps injury.”
Jane continues: “The EU Directive specifies that training and education are key priorities in raising awareness with healthcare workers. Where risks cannot be avoided, for example in operating theatres, personal protective equipment should be used. The European Biosafety Network toolkit specifies the use of double gloving, gowns and eye protection.
To assist health care professionals in implementing the new Directives, Mölnlycke Health Care has produced an EU Sharps Directive Policy Guidance Document, launched at the AfPP Congress. This document addresses issues of risk to health care workers and patients, health and safety implications, real life examples of sharps injuries and advice on compliance with the legislation before it becomes law in May 2013.
For any questions on how Mölnlycke Health Care can support you in your implementation, or in the education of staff, please contact 01582 676 108.
