Safer needles one step closer - Liz Lynne

11.44.55am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 20th Apr 2006

Liz Lynne on a previous visit to Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Birmingham to talk to health staff about the campaign for safer needles

Liz Lynne MEP, Employment Spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats in the European Parliament, who has been campaigning for the use of safer needles in hospitals for a number of years, welcomed a vote in the Employment Committee today.

Speaking after the votes this morning she said,

"There are one million needlestick injuries each year across the European Union which could be prevented. The report we voted on today is calling for the use of old style needles and sharps to be eventually eliminated."

"Healthcare workers across the EU must be protected. We need a combination of better training, safer working practices and the use of medical devices that incorporate needle protection."

"If a healthcare worker is accidentally pricked they have to wait in fear to find out if they have contracted diseases such as HIV or hepatitis. The evidence is there, the cost benefit analysis has been done, we know it makes sense."

"I hope the European Commission will speedily bring forward proposals to protect healthcare workers as soon as possible."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Photo shows Liz Lynne on a previous visit to Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Birmingham to talk to health staff about the campaign for safer needles.