Saturday, August 11, 2012

Major safety threat found in the UK

Thanks to Wait, Wait . . . Don't tell me, I just learned of something I missed last week:  A threat to health care workers everywhere.  Luckily, the NHS is on this and has taken decisive action.

Here's the story on the BBC World News.  I publish the story in a different font and color for emphasis so no one will miss it: 

NHS health and safety chiefs ban ‘dangerous’ metal paper clips

Manchester NHS Trust officials made the decision to stop the use of the metal stationary item after a member of staff cut their finger using one. In a memo to staff, it was warned that the use of metal fasteners was ‘prohibited’ and the offending clips must be ‘carefully disposed of immediately’. ‘Due to recent incidents, NHS Manchester has decided to immediately withdraw the use of metal paper fasteners,’ explained the memo featuring an accompanying picture of a paper clip – just to avoid any confusion. ‘Please ensure any that remain in use be replaced by similar plastic fasteners. The use of metal fasteners is prohibited and must be carefully disposed of immediately. Thank you for your co-operation.’ 

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Now that is just dumb. The A and E method of releasing a blood blister under a nail is to heat and use a metal paper clip to make a hole in the nail. Now what are they going to do?.

Mark Graban said...

Wow, I'm excited to hear that the NHS has address all of the really major safety problems that plague healthcare in the Western world, if they have the time to work on trivialities like this.

Wait, wait... you mean they haven't?