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Background: Studies have reported evidence on sharps injuries among nursing, medical and dental students but little is known about the amount, type and causes of sharps injuries affecting other healthcare students. Aim: The aim of the narrative review was to identify the extent, type and causes of sharps injuries sustained by healthcare students, especially those not in those fields. Method: Eight databases were searched using keywords to identify studies published between 1980 and March 2023. Findings: This narrative review highlights that some groups of healthcare students, including those studying pharmacy, physiotherapy and radiography, sustain sharps injuries from similar devices as reported in research on such injuries in nursing, medical and nursing students. Sharps injuries happen in a range of healthcare environments, and many were not reported by students. The main cause of a sharps injury identified was a lack of knowledge. Conclusion: More research is needed on the extent of sharps injuries in healthcare students in European countries and the UK as well as on their physical and psychological effects. Education and training in sharps use and disposal are essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every healthcare worker plays a vital part in minimising the risk of cross infection. Infection prevention and control (IPC) practitioners have the skills and competencies to assist organisations in improving engagement among staff and play a vital part in achieving this. IPC practitioners have skills in clinical practice, education, research and leadership, and these skills ensure high-quality care for patients and support strategies for engaging staff. This article highlights how IPC practitioners' skills and competencies are required for preventing infection and improving staff engagement. Engaged staff generate positive outcomes for both patients and staff, which is a welcome result for all healthcare organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outcome of a consultation on mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for health and social care staff must result in a standard approach being taken nationwide, argues Sam Foster, Chief Nurse, Oxford University Hospitals [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

John Tingle discusses some major inquiry reports into patient safety crises in the NHS and asks whether any lessons have been learnt from events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the psychological and physical impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These include distress, grief and dying, struggles of the British National Health Service in dealing with the crisis as well as the anticipation of dealing with its aftermath, and the previous and upcoming conferences of the British Association of Urological Nurses.

Sam Foster, Chief Nurse, Oxford University Hospitals, considers the need for those involved in frontline care to be empowered to look after their own wellbeing, in order to provide high-quality care for patients [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accidents at work cost the NHS some billion pounds every year. Over half of these accidents are due to avoidable slips and falls-the most common cause of claim for compensation faced by the NHS. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the NHS as an employer and nurses as employees have a legal obligation to manage health and safety and to ensure that others are not put at risk by work-related activities. The first of a series, this article on health and safety law sets out the duties imposed on NHS organisations and their employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]