Further to a review of data submitted by Heales Medical, the company commissioned by NHS England to provide primary care occupational health services, NHS England have identified that there have been a very high amount of needlestick/sharps incidents within dental practices, some of which appear to be recurring from the same practice/s.
Every time a needlestick episode is reported to Heales Medical, it results in significant costs to NHS England, for something which should be avoidable. NHS England have stated that they understand it is very important to record this information but they also need to ensure that everything is being done to avoid them.
Please see links below to the HSE website which gives details on blood-borne viruses; how they can be avoided, employer and employee responsibilities. NHS England urges that this information be shared widely within practice/s.
NHS England have also been advised of a number of late cancellations and DNA’s with Heales Medical – not only would this still incur a cost to NHS England, it may also put those individual staff members at risk.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/blood-borne-viruses/index.htm
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hsis7.htm
http://www.hse.gov.uk/healthservices/needlesticks/index.htm
NHS England will continue to monitor the data that they receive from Heales Medical. Practices where recurring incidents are apparent will be contacted directly.
