AQW 24978/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 25/03/2025
Answered On Date: 09/04/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any action being taken to address the occupational health risks for community optometrists identified during the NIPEARS Plus pilot, including the absence of cover for needlestick injuries.

Answer:

The occupational health risk to optometrists identified during the NIPEARS Plus pilot were in relation to the potential for needle stick injuries during a removal of foreign bodies, which in many cases require the use of a small needle.

To date there have been a number of barriers for Trust Occupational Health services including optometrists in their needle stick injury service. These include; capacity, the absence of a Service Level Agreement and the absence of the necessary governance arrangements.

A Regional Review of Occupational Health recommended a review of the Service Level Agreement to Primary Care. This review is underway and will include consideration of future provision of the service to optometrists.