Needlestick injury

A needlestick injury is another way to describe a sharps injury, caused by needles, syringes, and other medical supplies. 

Take immediate action if there is a needlestick injury or contamination incident involving human blood or other body fluids:

1. Wash the site liberally with soap and water (without scrubbing)
2. For puncture wounds, encourage the wound to bleed but don't suck the site
3. Dispose of any contaminated sharps safely
4. Contact the needlestick hotline on 0117 342 3400
5. Report the incident immediately to your line manager or supervisor who will complete an accident report form and submit it to Safety and Health Services

How the needlestick hotline works

The needlestick hotline is a service provided for the University by Avon Partnership Occupational Health Services (APOHS), which holds clinics at Southmead and Frenchay Hospitals and at the Bristol Royal Infirmary.

If you have a needlestick injury, this service provides an initial screening with follow-up care and advice.

You can call the needlestick hotline on 0117 342 3400.

During opening hours

If you call during the hotline's opening hours between 8am and 5pm Mondays to Thursdays or between 8am and 4:30pm on Fridays, you will speak directly to an Occupational Health Practitioner who will explain what actions need to be taken.

Outside of opening hours

If you call out of office hours, leave a message with:

• Your name and date of birth
• Your status as an employee or student at the University
• Your location
• The date and time of your injury
• Any specific details of your injury, such as the source and nature of contamination 
• How you can be contacted

Your call will be returned when the office opens on the following working day and you will be given advice regarding an appointment.