Unsafe or incorrect disposal of sharps can cause serious harm to the user, healthcare professionals, and the general public. Serious bloodborne viruses such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV can unknowingly be passed through used or unsanitary needles. It is a serious risk, and we are committed to preventing needlestick and other sharps injuries.
Sharpsafe has always put safety first since the launch of the first purpose-designed sharps container in 1979. Our mission is to minimise the risk of sharps injuries through our high-performance range of sustainable sharps containers, for both those using the sharps and for their patients.
Preventing Needlestick Injuries with NPSD
The cost of a needlestick injury can vary greatly from case to case and has unquantifable factors due to the emotional distress put on the individual who has been affected. A needlestick injury can cost society from £3,000 to £5,000, and an injury that involves a transfer of a blood-borne disease can cost up to £620,000.1 It is estimated that the cost of needlestick injuries in the NHS alone was over £4 million over a five-year period.2
Inadequate disposal of clinical waste is one of the leading causes of sharps injuries with 22% of needlestick injuries occuring either during transit to disposal or during the actual disposal of a sharp.3 Through identifying the source of needlestick injuries and listening to customer feedback, the Near Patient Sharps Disposal (NPSD) system was developed to reduce this statistic.
A world's first for patient and healthcare safety, comprising of trays, trolleys, and other supporting accessories, NPSD is a strategy for reducing needlestick and sharps injuries. The system features sharps containment products that are designed to be taken directly to the patient, disposing of the needle at source. This eliminates the risk of carrying sharps to final disposal, and any potential injuries.
Protecting access
When it comes to keeping patients safe our purpose-designed sharps containers are compliant with several accreditations as a guarantee for safe sharps disposal.
Our entire Sharpsafe range has undergone extensive testing and has been awarded the following regulatory compliance:
- UN3291
- ISO 23907-1:2019
- BSI Kitemark
As an added feature to our large size range, protected access is an additional barrier to prevent unauthorised hands from entering the container and injuring themselves. This protective barrier also prevents the containers from being over-filled and contents spilling from the container.
Designed for use in areas where children would be present, this feature offers additional reassurance to parents and healthcare workers that younger patients are protected from risk.
Additional Peace of Mind
The most effective way to keep patients and staff safe from sharps injuries is through a dynamic and adaptable training programme. As part of our value-added service, all our customers have access to our Vernacare Academy modules, training materials, and sharps audits to ensure staff are highly trained to reduce the risk of sharps injuries to both them and their patients.
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