Labour MEPs call for action on needle-stick injuries - 2009-04-23

The European Parliament is today calling for new legislation on preventing harm to patients and healthcare workers from needle stick injuries.

An estimated one million needle stick injuries occur every year when a healthcare worker or support staff worker are accidentally pricked with a used needle. Although the majority of needle stick injuries are not life threatening, there is the risk of exposure to blood-borne viruses such as Hepatitis B and C, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Linda McAvan MEP, Labour Spokesperson for Health in the European Parliament, said: "Every day, nurses and other health care workers are exposed to over 20 different blood-borne diseases, such as Hepatitis B and C and HIV, due to needle stick injuries. These injuries could be easily avoided through better training and working conditions, and the use of safer needles."

This call is part of a wider report adopted by the European Parliament on patient safety which calls for national governments to prioritise patient safety in health policies and promote knowledge sharing and further research at a European level.

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

› Back