Posted: 24-Nov-2006 << BACK
A new report from the Health Protection Agency shows that healthcare workers are still being exposed to bloodborne virus infections, even though such exposures are largely preventable. According to data collected by the Agency, eleven healthcare workers were infected with hepatitis C via needle stick injuries in the last eight years; two of these incidents were reported in the last 12 months.
The report entitled Eye of the Needle shows that even though a lot has been done to protect healthcare workers through the course of their work, the number of reported occupational exposures increased by 49% in three years; from 206 in 2002 to 306 in 2005. This rise could be due to increased awareness of the risks of needlestick injuries or a genuine increase in the number of injuries: either way th e report draws attention to the need for NHS Trusts to provide local protocols and information on the risk of bloodborne viruses in the work place and to ensure that healthcare workers are adequately trained on how to prevent injuries.
Just under half of those exposed were nursing professionals. However although doctors and dentists comprise a much smaller group of healthcare workers, they reported a similar number of injuries, which suggests they have a higher injury rate.
Dr Fortune Ncube who compiled the report for the Agency said, "These figures show us that there are still too many healthcare workers being exposed to hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV through the course of their work. Most needle stick injuries are preventable. It is crucial that interventions to prevent occupational exposure injuries, such as the use of retractable needles are examined.
On the whole, the report shows encouraging results on the implementation of national policies in the management of these infections, with the exception of Hepatitis C Guidelines on testing and follow-up. The report recommends improvements in the level of information that is collected on each incident. The current methods of gathering this information have worked well in identifying and dealing with incidents, but the report recommends that a more detailed surveillance system is established to provide better information.
Professor Pat Troop , Chief Executive of the HPA said The HPA will continue to monitor these exposure incidents; however we also encourage NHS managers to ensure the guidance is followed so that staff are effectively protected.
Attachment: HPA - Eye of the Needle Nov 2006.pdf
