Blood and Body Fluid Exposure

[Eden, Keryn (DFC)]

Good afternoon all,

I would like to hear advice on Blood and Body Fluid exposure – particularly needlestick Injury.

For some years now we have had a process of testing source clients (where known) following staff needlestick injury for Hep B/C and HIV status where this was not already known, thereby alleviate staff concerns rather than having them go on for months awaiting follow-up testing.
I am now informed that this is not acceptable as the clinical intervention of venepuncture in this instance is not a therapeutic procedure for the client and is hence an assault – as per the advice of the guardianship board? Many of our clients are not able to consent to testing in such instances due to intellectual disability or brain injury.
Staff are, of course, referred to A&E immediately following such an event for immunoglobulins and counselling etc.

What processes do other facilities use for the benefit of the staff’s mental health under these circumstances?

In anticipation of your input.

Keryn Eden
Occupational Health/Infection Control Nurse
Disability SA – Highgate Park
103 Fisher Street
FULLARTON SA 5063

Keryn.Eden@dfc.sa.gov.au

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[Chard, Colette]

Hi Kerry,

I asked for a response from our infection control consultant company we
use in our organisation for a response to your question please see below
their reply FYI. Hope this is of some help

Kind regards

Colette Chard

Infection Control Coordinator

Clinical Nurse Day Surgery

North West Private Hospital

137 Flockton St.,

Everton Park

07 3246 3145 / 3246 3183(Tuesdays)

email:chardc@ramsayhealth.com.au

In Victoria there is legislation to cover such a situation, i.e not in
full mental capacity to give consent, covers unconscious patients,
demented patients and mental health) whereby the Medical Director (or
so nominated) contacts the Chief Health Officer to gain consent testing,
there is a specific protocol to follow.

Every state will vary regarding the appropriate action, suggest this
staff member contact her S.A Health Department to discuss relevant
procedure and legislation

________________________________

Behalf Of Eden, Keryn (DFC)

Good afternoon all,

I would like to hear advice on Blood and Body Fluid exposure –
particularly needlestick Injury.

For some years now we have had a process of testing source clients
(where known) following staff needlestick injury for Hep B/C and HIV
status where this was not already known, thereby alleviate staff
concerns rather than having them go on for months awaiting follow-up
testing.

I am now informed that this is not acceptable as the clinical
intervention of venepuncture in this instance is not a therapeutic
procedure for the client and is hence an assault – as per the advice of
the guardianship board? Many of our clients are not able to consent to
testing in such instances due to intellectual disability or brain
injury.

Staff are, of course, referred to A&E immediately following such an
event for immunoglobulins and counselling etc.

What processes do other facilities use for the benefit of the staff’s
mental health under these circumstances?

In anticipation of your input.

Keryn Eden

Occupational Health/Infection Control Nurse

Disability SA – Highgate Park

103 Fisher Street

FULLARTON SA 5063

Keryn.Eden@dfc.sa.gov.au

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