The deadline for mandatory implementation of EU Directive 2010/32/EU is drawing ever closer.

As yet, many NHS Trusts are dragging their heels, perhaps awaiting reduced prices as the most popular product emerges from the many. But then again, it may just be to avoid expenditure until absolutely necessary in a game of brinkmanship that may see some failing to meet at all the deadline for implementation. Pressure is mounting, from HSE and from several trade union bodies including Unison and RCN. Will those Trusts failing to meet the deadline face any penalty? Probably not, since there will be the usual wishy washy excuses and lack of action from regulators is almost certain. The Directive requires much more than a safer needle device and mandates specific sharps injury policies supported by fast track management of any sharps injury by an infectious diseases specialist, though it is still likely that those outside the NHS, including in particular ancillary staff, Local Authority employees and waste handlers will effectively be excluded from this as they are left to wait in, or turned away from, A&E as time wasters with a trivial puncture would by a system that fails properly to recognise the potential impact of those sharps injuries occurring in anyone other than healthcare professionals.

Industry is now joining the affray, with BD bemoaning the tardy implementation of 2010/32/EU. As it happens, BD are the manufacturer of safety sharps so we might assume that this clamour for speedy implementation is solidly sales-driven.

Too true, but if it encourages the implementation of the entire range of controls and restraints that 2010/32/EU dictates then it must be commended.