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 injuries World 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.