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Needlestick injuries are skin punctures caused by hypodermic needles. Such injuries are a common hazard for those who work in the healthcare industry and usually occur as a result of needles being discarded in a careless fashion. They are also known as sharps injuries.

Available statistics probably underestimate the severity of the problem because many workers do not report their injuries.

In 2019, the results of a survey revealed the extent of needlestick injuries amongst surgeons. The survey was conducted by SERMO for Mölnlycke and found that 94% of practicing UK surgeons have either suffered a needlestick injury or witnessed a colleague suffering one.

According to a survey published in the Journal of Hospital Infection in 2003, around 100,000 needlestick incidents occur across the NHS each year.

In a confidential survey dating back to 2004, 300 healthcare professionals were asked about their personal experience of needlestick injury and their attitudes to reporting. From the 279 individuals who responded, 38% had experienced at least one needlestick injury in the preceding 12 month period, with 74% having sustained such an injury during their career.

Although 80% of respondents were aware that such incidents should be notified, only 51% of those affected had reported all needlestick injuries. Doctors were found to be less likely to report than nurses, despite a higher propensity to injury.

While Scotland has been fortunate in recent years in that there has been no known occurrence of needlestick injury causing serious life threatening consequences, in a society with an increasing number of patients with HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and CJD, there is a potential risk of serious illness and of fatalities.

Another detrimental factor is the mental trauma faced by the individual in trying to cope with the fear that they have been infected.

How Thompsons has impacted the use of needles in the NHS

Thompsons Personal Injury Solicitors has been at the forefront in addressing this issue and indeed Patrick McGuire, in his cases of Clement -v- Scottish Ambulance Service, and Skinner -v- Scottish Ambulance Service was successful in establishing that the use of traditional needles by branches of the NHS can be considered a breach of the country's health and safety legislation.

While previously the NHS had ruled out recommending the introduction of safety devices due to their costs, the Court took the view that the NHS's refusal to introduce safety syringes on cost grounds alone was a breach of employment and safety laws. In light of these appeal cases, the then Health Minister at the Scottish Parliament, Andy Kerr, announced a review of the use of needles across the entire NHS.

Needlestick Regulations

The Health and Safety (Sharps Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013 implement an EU Council Directive on the prevention of needlestick injuries within the hospital and healthcare sector. The HSE has produced an information sheet on the regulations which can be accessed here.

It explains, among other things, how to dispose of sharps safely, what training is required for healthcare and associated workers, and correct procedure for handling a needlestick injury.

Would you like to discuss your sharps injury with a personal injury solicitor?

If you have had an accident involving needles call our No Win No Fee Lawyers FREE on 0800 0891 331. We can investigate matters for you and advise you on your first step towards receiving the compensation you deserve.

We understand that this can be an extremely worrying time for you and strive to handle your claim as sensitively as possible.

Legal services for 5 1177
Based on 2020 reviews
Excellent
5/5
5 / 5

Hard work paid off

After having my case turned down by another company I turned to thompsons hoping that they would take on my case. They did and now after a long time we have had the result we wanted. I cannot thank Joel and the rest of the team that worked on my case enough, they are a credit to thompsons. They supported me continuously throughout and always gave me good information regarding how the case was going and next steps etc.

James allen
25 October 2024
5 / 5

Fantastic

Natalie has been amazing from start to finish. Very informative throughout the process, explaining things to ensure I always understood the process. Met with other employees who were professional and so friendly, making me feel at ease. I felt valued at all times. Would recommend 100%.

Amanda
17 October 2024
5 / 5

Very good advice and explanation of detail for my case

Excellent explanation of my case and very good advice

Jorge silva
4 October 2024
5 / 5

Guidance and Support

Robert Cranston and his team were very helpful and providing me with clarity and support throughout the whole process. I wasn't sure at first on the process and was anxious as never been in a position like that before. Robert eased fears and was extremely helpful from beginning to end. Thank you

Matthew Weir
20 August 2024
5 / 5

Great guidance and support

Robert and his team have provided really great support and guidance over what has been an almost 5 year process. Having never been in this situation before I wouldn’t have known what to expect or what was reasonable but I have had support each step of the way. Should I have to go through something like this again I would hope to be allocated the same team. Thank you!

Penny Thompson
8 August 2024
5 / 5

Excellent service

I found the whole team of Joel Very helpful and pleasant helpled through my claim explaining everything clearly as we went along Will definitely recommend them to anyone

John turner
25 July 2024
5 / 5

Professional service

Michael handled what was a very complex and long drawn out case with the utmost care and professionalism. He worked tirelessly to negotiate a sizeable settlement and ensured I was kept up-to-date throughout the process plus explained all the legal jargon clearly. Michael was always very polite and kind whenever we spoke and answered all questions and queries with such care. Michael truly is an asset to Thompsons and I would thoroughly recommend him to others.

Rebecca
26 June 2024
5 / 5

claim

Robert help get me get a settlement for my injury at work, he did this in a very professional way and managed to get me the best settlement for my case.

Anonymous
18 May 2024
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