Following the recent adoption of EU directive, 2010/32/EUi, Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) has put together a document that helps managers better understand the rules and plan a compliance strategy.
Forward-thinking healthcare organisations have felt that the case for converting to safety-engineered medical device policies before the mandatory deadline is very strong
The move comes after the European Commission revealed that more than a million sharps injuries occur in Europe each year. These include nurses being stuck by needles or other instruments that have previously been used on patients, leaving them susceptible to blood-borne infections such as HIV and hepatitis.
Compliance with the directive will be mandatory by May 2013 and the guidance from BD is designed to help make sense of the demands and enable organisations to protect staff and avoid litigation.
Our research has shown that occupational health professionals are concerned that awareness of the new EU legislation is not yet sufficiently widespread
The company’s general manager, Johnny Lundgren, said: “Forward-thinking healthcare organisations across Europe have felt that the case for converting to safety-engineered medical device policies before the mandatory deadline is very strong, and have moved early.
“BD has been helping organisations plan and implement their conversion strategies, drawing on the experience of early European adopters, the conversions in the US since the 2000 passage of safety legislation, and European regions that already have mandatory requirements in place. Our research has shown that occupational health professionals are concerned that awareness of the new EU legislation is not yet sufficiently widespread and we hope these management guides will help to increase awareness and knowledge among healthcare organisations.”
The guides include a short overview of the directive; the key points of the business case for conversion; and a review of existing penalties, compensation payments and legislative requirements. They also cover safety device definitions and best practice.
