Lib Dems win new laws to save nurses from HIV risk
March 23, 2010 6:46 PM
Liz Lynne, one of the Lib Dems' twelve MEPs
Euro MP Liz Lynne has hailed a decision by EU ministers in Brussels to adopt new laws to tackle the serious risks faced by nurses and other workers from needlestick injuries at work. Nursing organisations estimate that every year across the EU, up to one million preventable injuries are sustained from needles and sharp objects in hospitals and surgeries. For the UK alone, the estimate is 100,000 annual incidents, where injuries can transmit blood borne infections such as Hepatitis C and HIV.
Liz Lynne, Vice President of the European Parliament's Employment and Social Affairs Committee, has campaigned for new laws since 2004 with strong support from the Royal College of Nurses. She drafted the European Parliament's recent resolution on the subject.
She said: "This is a victory for healthcare workers across Europe. For too long people dedicated to improving the health of others have themselves been exposed to the risk of life threatening infections. Many of those injured face an agonising wait to find out whether they have contracted an infection such as HIV or Hepatitis C. Most injuries are easily avoidable."
Liz Lynne also urged all EU member state governments - which have two years to implement this law - to move quickly: "Every day that goes by involves more risk, more incidents, and more unnecessary trauma. The UK government should take action immediately to protect our nurses now."
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