Ensuring the safety of patients and

healthcare workers

Grete Christensen, President

European Federation of Nurses Association EFN

Introduction

Spain is a forerunner

Reducing the number of sharp injuries

Better safety for healthcare workers and patients!

35 mill. healthcare workers are exposed to blood borne pathogens

2,5 % HIV

40 % Hepatitis B & C infections

The consequences of sharp injuriesWorld wide:

1 million reported needle stick injuries !

What to do?

More attention

Acknowledge all progress made

Social dialogue

Agreement on sharp injuries

Directive implemented

Implementation Eliminate and reduce the use of needles and

other sharps whereever possible

Isolate the hazards by protecting otherwise exposed sharps by incorporating safety-engineered sharps protection mechanisms

Safe work practices

Prevention

Independent studies shows that:

Training working practices use of medical devices

-can prevent more that 80 per cent of needle stick injuries

We all have a responsibility to avoid sharp injuries. For example by:

Promoting good practices Safe systems of work Promoting a ‘no blame culture’ Providing a recording system Raise awareness by developing training Promote partnership with respective trade

unions and/or workers representatives.