The remit of this short life working group was to investigate the cause, prevalence and prevention of needlestick injuries in the NHSScotland. The issue of needlestick injuries has been highlighted over recent years by a number of trade unions and professional bodies.
UNISON has mounted an extensive publicity campaign to reduce the number of injuries caused by sharps and needles. They have also called for changes in legislation to address the evaluation and introduction of safer needles. Details of some of the campaign publications are contained in the bibliography. The working group has addressed many of the issues raised by UNISON, such as the need for UK specific data, staff education and training and the evaluation of safer devices.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) launched an initiative in April 2000 to investigate a method of reporting, monitoring and tracking of needlestick injuries. This is part of a wider Working Well Initiative which will also look at risk assessment guidance, model policies and an update of the RCN Universal Precautions guidance. The surveillance programme commenced in July 2000 and is to run for approximately 12 months involving 14 pilot sites across the UK. The initiative is being supported by EPINet (Exposure Prevention Information Network), University of Virginia and will be managed locally by infection control teams and safety representatives. Data emanating from this initiative will help to inform future recommendations both locally and nationally.
The British Medical Association published the Code of Practice for the Safe Use and Disposal of Sharps in 1995. The document contains sections on transmission of infection, occupational risk factors, risk management, sharps policy, procedure following sharps injuries and education and training. The underlying principles of the code mirror the recommendations of the working group.