Rules for safer needles

A European directive to make the use of safe needles routine has been hailed as a breakthrough by public services union UNISON. It says the new law will help to protect nurses, midwives and health care assistants from needlestick injuries and infections. As many as 100,000 UK health workers are injured by needles every year, and a million injuries occur across Europe.

The directive backs up a framework agreement on preventing sharps injuries signed by the European Public Services Union (EPSU) and the European Hospital and Healthcare Employers’ Association (HOSPEEM) last year.

“This guidance will make a real difference to the safety of health workers and patients,” UNISON said.