- Conference
- 2009 Health Care Service Group Conference
- Date
- 11 December 2008
- Decision
- Carried
This Conference reiterates the importance of health and safety at work as a key concern for our members working in the health service and continues to place this at the heart of our organising and negotiating agenda for health workers.
Conference notes that needlestick injuries are a common issue of concern for many staff groups working in the NHS.
Conference recalls much positive work undertaken to reduce the incidence of needlestick injuries and to ensure support for workers who experience this.
As well as testing for blood borne infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis and the provision of counselling and support, post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is advised in such circumstances, as in other instances of exposure to HIV, such as sexual assault.
PEP treatments consist of anti HIV drugs at a high dosage over a limited period of time. The aim is to try to prevent HIV infection after the virus has entered the body, by stopping the virus from reproducing and taking hold.
Conference believes it is essential that staff working in the NHS and health sectors are aware of the benefits of PEP on exposure to HIV and know how to access PEP treatment. There should be widespread availability of PEP via Emergency Departments and Occupational Health.
In particular Conference acknowledges that healthcare staff may experience high levels of anxiety and concern after an exposure event where it is necessary to wait for up to 3 months for a second HIV test to rule out a possible infection.
Conference therefore calls on the Health Service Group Executive to:
1.Continue to highlight the hazards of blood borne infections facing health workers and the work needed at local level to reduce such risks
2.Review information to branches on needlestick injuries and the availability of PEP at local level, ensuring it is up to date
3.promote practical advice to members regarding help needed after a potential exposure event
4.Seek to promote wide availability of PEP and awareness about PEP for health workers themselves and in giving advice to affected non-health service colleagues and service users, including in cases of rape or sexual assault.