UHNS at the Sharp End of Infection Control

Many people have a fear of needles but the danger of needles to NHS staff often goes unnoticed. Needlestick injuries are a common occupational hazard for healthcare workers in the NHS. Staff are at a risk from blood borne viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV when a patient inadvertently moves. Now medics at University Hospital of North Staffordshire are using the BD Venflon Pro Safety needle, a specially designed needle that will reduce the chances of getting an infection.

Helen Jenkinson, deputy director of infection prevention and control, said: "We've all seen Hollywood films like Outbreak where someone with a terrible illness is being treated by a clinician and something causes them to accidentally pierce their own skin transferring the infection. The reality is that this could happen to anyone of our staff working with needles and infections can be life threatening." 

Helen said the biggest dangers are to staff when inserting, removing a needle and disposal of needles. She said: "If a clinician uses a safety devise and disposes of it properly in our new safer sharps bin the risk of causing them to pierce their own skin with an infected needle is reduced. Since the introduction of the new needles and sharps waste bins we have significantly reduced the numbers of sharps injuries in the Trust. This new needle has a guard that protects the healthcare worker while the needle is being withdrawn and then encases it into a smooth plastic shield. It really will help to protect our staff and prevent the spread of infections."

Helen Jenkinson believes the new needle will also improve the comfort of patients. She said: "This new needle improves the care we give to patients but vastly reduces the chance for the spread of infections. The tip is extra sharp to improve insertion and improve the comfort of the patient. It has flexible wings to stabilise the cannula, a tube that can be inserted into the body to supply or remove fluids that also improve patient comfort. The new needles and new Sharpsmart Waste Management System, provides University Hospital with a complete safety cycle to reduce the risk of injury to staff and patients."