1. Ensuring the safety of patients and healthcare workers Grete Christensen, President European Federation of Nurses Association EFN

2. Introduction  Spain is a forerunner  Reducing the number of sharp injuries  Better safety for healthcare workers and patients!

3. 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:

4. 1 million reported needle stick injuries !

5. What to do?  More attention  Acknowledge all progress made

6. Social dialogue Agreement on sharp injuries Directive implemented

7. 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

8. Prevention Independent studies shows that:  Training  working practices  use of medical devices -can prevent more that 80 per cent of needle stick injuries

9. 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.