Immediate management of a sharps injury

Cuts and puncture wounds should be washed out at once with soap and water without scrubbing. Free bleeding of puncture wounds should be encouraged gently but wounds should not be sucked. A suitable dressing should be applied. Eyes and other exposed mucous membranes should be thoroughly irrigated with saline or water both before and after removal of any contact lenses. 

During in-hours (8am-4pm)

Contact Occupational Health immediately at Chase Farm Hospital on ext. 1137. Do not wait until the end of your shift. 

During out-of-hours (4.01pm-7.59am)

Complete part 1 of the Sharps Exposure Pathway and report to A&E immediately. Do not wait until the end of your shift. Contact A&E at Barnet Hospital on ext. 5021 or A&E at Chase Farm Hospital on ext. 2303.

The Sharps Exposure Pathway provides guidance to medical team and A&E doctor on risk assessment and appropriate actions.

Part 2 and 3 is to be completed by the doctor treating the injured member of staff.