Safer needles that are mandated by EU Directive 2010/32/EU really make a difference.

Sharps injuries are reduced, though there is now anecdotal evidence that the implementation of a new safety engineered needle device can be associated with a short-term increase in sharps injuries, more of less as users fumble to get used to a new device. Regrettably, there are many different ‘safer needle devices’ and as staff move from one Trust to another there may be a new period of familiarisation during which the incident rate may increase. More fundamental problems arise since there will be no singe device type in use across the NHS and thus training of healthcare professionals will be compromised.

Reporting studies of the incidence of sharps injury among healthcare professionals before and after the implementation, in the US, of their Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act, a substantial and sustained decrease in injury rates could be observed.

Phillips EK, Conaway MR, Jagger JC. Percutaneous injuries before and after the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act. New England Journal of Medicine 2012; 366/7: 670-1

This improvement is no doubt increased by increased awareness, better training etc, as well as the implementation of these safety needle systems. However, for those wavering in the implementation of EU Directive 2010/32/EU the pressure brought to bear by trades unions and professional bodies, and by regulators, should be irresistible. The evidence is clear. Though there are many differences between the available products, in the characteristics of their use, in the environmental impact of additional mixed plastic waste, and of other performance issues including the propensity of some devices to splash or spray droplets of blood when activated.

More work is required, but overall the implementation of safety sharps throughout the UK must not be further delayed.

Does this include, for example, peripheral applications including, for example, veterinary use and the supply of clean syringes and needles to addicts. This latter high risk group is particularly important. It may further discourage needle sharing, and reduce the risk to litter pickers from exposed sharps.