Australian nurses call to prevent needle stick injury

The Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) is extremely concerned with serious risks posed to nurses from needle stick injury in the country.

More than 18,000 nurses report being pricked by contaminated syringes or other sharp instruments every year thereby raising the risk for contracting hepatitis B or C or HIV or AIDS.

The statistics might just be the tip of the iceberg as it is estimated that half of the nurses choose to stay quiet about the incidents.

The state and federal governments are demanded by the Australian Nursing Federation to provide funds close to a total of $50 million over three years for programs and trainings focused at decreasing the risk of needle stick injuries.

We are calling on federal and state government to introduce consistent rules to prevent needle stick injuries in Australia and fund the introduction of needle-less access devices, said ANF federal secretary, Ged Kearney.

The federation also request for reporting to be made compulsory.

Ms Kearney, said in a statement, Police wear bullet proof vests, firefighters are given fire-adverse clothing, so why shouldn't nurses be protected from the risk associated with their work?

Just like police and firefighters, nurses are dedicated to saving lives but this should not be at high risk to themselves.

She said, the funds would potentially be directed towards programs to educate and for new equipment purchases that ultimately will move closer to the provision of needle-free devices at public hospitals.