The Evening Times ran an article about figures in a new report showing that women from Lanarkshire experience higher-than-average rates of stillbirth and neonatal deaths than other parts of Scotland. The region recorded the second-highest rate in Scotland with 6.42 deaths per 1,000 births. However it is worth noting that the figure of 7,096 Lanarkshire resident […]
BBV prevention in the workplace
A blood borne virus (BBV) occupational health specialist is encouraging all staff to follow some simple steps to avoid exposure to a BBV.
Jean Wheatley is NHS Lanarkshire’s occupational health BBV nurse specialist, said: “My role involves working in the management of occupational and non-occupational exposures to blood-borne viruses including needle-stick injuries and sexual exposures.
“There are a few simple steps that staff should take to protect themselves against exposure to a BBV.
“Staff must use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing any tasks that may involve potential exposure to blood or body fluids. PPE can include wearing gloves, an apron and eye protection.
“Standard infection control precautions must be followed in relation to hand hygiene, safe disposal of sharps devices and the safe management of blood and body fluid spillages. Safer sharps devices are readily available across the organisation.”
There is no vaccination available to protect staff against HIV or Hepatitis C viruses, however there is an immunisation programme available to offer protection from the Hepatitis B virus. This can be requested via Salus.
The staff needlestick injury policy can be found on FirstPort at http://firstport2/staff-support/needlestick-injury/default.aspx.
To discuss any issues or to arrange staff training, please contact Jean Wheatley on 07580418224 or email jean.wheatley@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk.
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