Management of Needlestick Injuries...

"We were increasingly being asked for information regarding the type of incidents causing needlestick and contamination incidents.

A questionnaire and report was developed in-house here at Southampton University Hospitals Trust (SUHT) for use within OPAS in order to meet those needs. We have built up data over the last two years that is now making interrogation of this information really valuable. We believe that the questionnaire is more comprehensive than the Epinet questionnaire.

Areas of high incidence can be highlighted and more training can be directed appropriately, also high contamination rates where no Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is being worn can be identified. The data will enable us to compare our Trust against national trends."

Jean Piernicki, Senior Nurse Manager, Occupational Health, Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust.