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 Heath Correspondent Abeer Parkes reports"Accidents with needles can put staff at risk of deadly diseases"  real 28k  Unison official Jim Devine"What this trust appears to be saying is that just under £180,000 is too much save lives"  real 28k |
Safety syringes 'too costly'
Workers concerned about needlestick injuries |
The introduction of a new type of syringe, which could protect health workers from injury, has been ruled out on the grounds of cost.
A report by a hospital carrying out tests of the syringes, which have been designed to prevent needlestick injuries, warned that the costs were prohibitive.
The trials were commissioned by the Scottish Executive after allegations by the health union Unison that more than 20,000 members of staff were being accidentally pricked by syringes each year.
Trials have taken place at Scottish hospitals |
Accidents with needles can put NHS staff at risk from diseases like hepatitis or HIV.
Unison has been fighting a campaign to get hospital trusts to buy syringes with retractable needles which lessen the risk.
The Scottish Executive bowed to pressure and agreed to consider the results of a number of pilot projects across Scotland.
Union concern
The first to report on their use was St John's Hospital in Livingston.
Its report stated that staff in four areas including accident and emergency found many advantages to the retractable needles.
There were a couple of minor concerns but the director of nursing expressed confidence that the manufacturers could sort those out.
She concluded, however, that although they were a safer option, the costs were prohibitive with a potential annual cost of £176,000.
Unison has argued that a price could not be put on staff lives and warned that it was prepared to sue hospitals in cases where staff suffer ill-health through needlestick injuries.
Scottish organiser, Jim Devine, said: "I've got to say that I'm pleased with the report because it's highlighted the fact that retractable syringes are much safer but I'm appalled with the conclusion.
"What this trust appears to be saying is that just under £180,000 is too much to guarantee almost the safety and save lives of health service workers.
"We would argue that the needles are cost effective because it's costing the Scottish health service nearly £6m to treat those workers who come forward with needlestick injuries at present."
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See also: |
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21 Jul 99 | Health |
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Nurses 'complacent' over needle injuries |
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23 Jun 99 | Health |
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Union plea for new syringe |
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03 Aug 99 | Health |
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Safer syringes win over minister |
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29 Oct 99 | Scotland |
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Experts gauge 'safe' syringe |
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Unison Scotland |
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Department of Health |
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