Compensation claims from those injured by syringe needles could run into the thousands. Laurence Pollock sees how campaigners are pushing for safer practice in the workplace

Making a point

A needle slightly perforating the skin can have dramatic and life threatening results for health workers.

A nurse, paramedic or doctor could face a range of chronic diseases from HIV to hepatitis. Pressure is building for a UK policy on safer needles and good practice.

Sadly the arguments are being helped by recent compensation cases for those infected by needlestick injuries. If the Department of Health and trusts will not listen to logic the possibility of industrial injuries claims running to tens of thousands of pounds might concentrate their minds.

UNISON has been a long-term campaigner for greater safety but it is now working with other partners through the Safer Needles Network to promote the issue.

It wants guidance requiring the use of (now available) retractable needles, self blunting devices or those with protective shields.

Network representatives have recently met with the parliamentary all party committee on occupational health. That might sound like a cumbersome vehicle for putting over a message. But getting MPs interested is one of the best ways of getting over a crucial message.

Ian Lindsley of the SNN says solving the problem is a ‘no-brainer’ ­ it could be done easily and at very little cost. Members of the parliamentary committee had now promised to write ministers seeking a meeting to explore the issue further.

“The meeting with MPs went very well,” said Lindsley. “Many said they had not been aware of the situation and were quite shocked that nothing had been done.

“Most local units and departments are aware of the efficacy of these new safer needles. We are trying to ensure that the Department of Health, from the top down, pushes the initiative. Otherwise there will be an increasing number of cases.”

These include a senior operating department assistant, Herbert Busby who was recently awarded £58,000. UNISON member Mr Busby was assisting an anaesthetist in 1997 when a tray flipped over showering him with needles. One penetrated his toe.

He experienced trauma and shock waiting to discover if he had been infected by Hepatitis B from the infected needle. Although cleared, he developed a phobia of needles and was unable to continue in his previous job. He now works as a patient co-ordinator. He said:

"I went through a dreadful time after the incident which affected not only me but the whole family. It made me terrified of infected needles and now if I come into close proximity to them, I break out into a cold sweat.

"I had to have three lots of tests for hepatitis and it was nine months before I knew I was in the clear. I went through three years of hell.

"UNISON supported me throughout this ordeal and I would like to see all hospitals using safer needles. I hate to think of other health workers needlessly going through the same trauma I suffered."

Malcolm Alster a nurse who developed Hepatitis C after an injury, made a presentation to the MPs.

Currently about one sixth of all NHS injuries relate to needlesticks. The National Audit Office is currently carrying out a study of the costs of these injuries but so far publication has been delayed. This will examine how effective the NHS is in the strategic management of health and safety risks and how effective are the systems put in place by trusts locally.

A spokesman said the commission was following up on an earlier study in 1996.

“We recognise that needlestick injuries present a significant financial risks to trusts and risks to their reputation.”

The UK Health and Safety Executive has also produced Blood borne viruses in the workplace: Guidance for employees and employers (2001) [Telephone the HSE helpline for a copy on 08701 545 500].

The Scottish NHS last year produced guidance entitled Needlestick injuries: sharpen your awareness (PDF).

To read Acrobat PDF files you need Acrobat Reader software, which is available free of charge from the Adobe website in both PC and Mac format.

UNISON national officer for health Jon Richards said: “It is impossible to put a cost on the misery caused by infection through needlestick injuries or on the agony of health workers and their families, waiting to know if an injury will lead to disease.

“The extra cost for many of these lifesaving devices is only pennies and may in the long term save the NHS money. Injuries can lead to compensation claims, long term costs for tests and treatment, as well as the loss of valuable trained staff from the workforce through illness."

More on UNISON’s needlesticks campaign

Contact the article's author Laurence Pollock