The PDA has handled more than 80,000 incidents since its inception and it currently handles more than 5,000 episodes where pharmacists run into a crisis each year. This enables the PDA to identify emerging trends.
While millions of flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are now delivered safely by pharmacists each year in all sectors of the profession, the risk, and the occurrence of needlestick injuries (NSIs) has grown. From 2012 to 2022, there were approximately 2,600 claims for NSIs from healthcare professionals, with nearly £11 million paid out in damages and legal fees (< £5,000 per claim).
When an NSI occurs, it is rightly seen by the NHS as a medical emergency. Immediate access to post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and follow-up testing for blood borne viruses is critical, this is before the necessity of emotional and psychological support is even considered. However, PDA members’ experiences reveal a troubling reality: if they are delivering an NHS service but are not directly employed by the NHS, for example they are a locum or community pharmacy employee, they may find themselves without clear access to testing and occupational health support.
Whilst ICB, Health Board and hospital HR policies may outline robust procedures for NHS-employed staff, including rapid risk assessment, source patient testing and urgent referral pathways, other employers do not always consider a needlestick injury to be a medical emergency.
We have heard from community pharmacy members that some employers have dismissed their injury as “just a nick.” Even if a hospital is attended, for those outside direct NHS employment, confusion, delays, and lack of support are all too common. In these hard-pressed times, some employers may not be inclined to fund several days off for their pharmacist to attend a series of tests. For locums, employers are not required to provide any pay for days off to attend testing and treatment, so undertaking the required tests will result in a significant reduction in income.
This places many pharmacists in a difficult position. Delayed access to PEP can mean the difference between prevention and lifelong infection. The psychological toll of uncertainty and anxiety can be very damaging.
The PDA will provide financial support enabling members to attend a series of tests and a lump sum contribution in the event of contracting hepatitis or HIV.
Following numerous needlestick injuries affecting PDA members, the PDA is launching a new benefit. Subject to being able to comply with certain operational conditions, members will be provided with financial support enabling them to attend testing and travel costs to the specialist testing centres. Should there be a diagnosis of HIV or hepatitis, or if there is a loss of limb, or death, they or their families will receive an additional cash benefit of up to £15,000. This additional benefit is being added as a standard automatic benefit of PDA membership at no additional cost to members.
PDA Chairman Mark Koziol said: “While pharmacists are looking after patients, someone needs to look after them. It is unacceptable that in some instances when pharmacists are harmed in the workplace through needlestick injury, they get little in the way of sympathy or practical support. In some cases, pharmacists cannot afford the reduction to their income to undertake the series of tests and treatments required.”
He continued: “Over the years, through many initiatives, the PDA has always worked hard to try and keep pharmacists safe in the workplace. However, where needlestick injuries do occur, this new benefit from the PDA will at least enable them to take the necessary time off to undergo the tests and treatments needed. We will continue to push for universal access to occupational health support and robust safeguarding protocols. We would also encourage pharmacists who may be suffering from stress and anxiety following a needlestick injury to contact our excellent Charity partner Pharmacist Support.”
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