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Do ward and department managers know their responsibilities in relation to the management of sharps, and is this reflected in the way that they practise sharps management?

Needlestick injuries (NSIs) involving hollowbore needles are the most commonly reported occupational exposure within the healthcare sector in the United Kingdom (HPA, 2012). It is estimated that at least 100,000 NSIs occur each year but due to under-reporting the figure may be much higher (RCN, 2008). Many strategies aimed at preventing NSIs have been implemented in the healthcare environment, including administrative controls, safer work practices and engineering controls, but despite these measures NSIs remain a serious health and safety threat (EU, 2010). New legislation has now been introduced as part of EU Directive 2010/32/EU, which requires UK and all EU member states to bring into force regulations, laws and administrative provisions to further protect healthcare workers from sustaining NSIs (EU Directive, 2010). The aim of this study was to determine the degree of responsibility that NHS ward/department managers felt they have in relation to the prevention and management of NSIs and if this was reflected in the way that they carry out relevant practices in their clinical environment. The study also aimed to identify factors which might impact on the ward/department managers’ ability to manage sharps effectively. The study found that although ward/department managers did acknowledge a high degree of responsibility overall for the prevention and management of NSIs, there were some concerns highlighted in relation to certain practices. These included not ensuring that all staff had received up to date training on the safe use and disposal of sharps and not disseminating information on NSI incidences and outcomes to staff in their clinical areas. The findings of this study have the potential to inform and enhance future training and education schedules that relate to NSI prevention and management and to improve the corporate strategic commitment to reducing NSIs across healthcare organisations.