Media Advisory
SRNA Commends Workplace Safety Initiative
Regina, October 29, 2004 - The RNs of the province are delighted with Labour Minister Deb Higgins announcement that Saskatchewan will be the first province in Canada to make safety-engineered needles mandatory.
Donna Brunskill, SRNA Executive Director says "Registered Nurses across the province have repeatedly been calling for the elimination of needle-stick injuries. Nurses and anyone who touches health care equipment are getting hurt by old-fashioned needles that can spread diseases. Needle stick injuries are preventable. The cost of safety-engineered needles pales in comparison to the cost of HIV or hepatitis C."
The needles are designed to keep the sharp point from being exposed. It helps protect health care workers from such injuries. The devices cost more than regular needles, but the extra cost will prevent needle-stick acquired infections.
"The SRNA commends the initiative" said Candace Skrapek, RN, SRNA President. "It is a positive show of support for prevention of injury and a step in the right direction for health care and patient safety."
The SRNA is the professional regulatory body for registered nurses in the province. Founded in 1917, the SRNA represents the largest group of health professionals in the province with almost 9,000 practising members. The SRNA speaks out on health care issues in the public interest.
For more information, contact:
Maureen Belanger
Communications Coordinator
Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association
(306) 359-4243
Last Updated: May 4, 2008