News and views

Since the Regulations changed in October 2012, here’s all you need to know to stay on the right side of the law while ensuring patient protection

On 11 May 2013, the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013 took effect. These Regulations were made under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and they implement (in part) EC Directive 2010/32/EU as required under European law.

Sharps injuries can ruin lives, so being vigilant in the safe use and disposal of needles is essential. Here’s how the updated regulations affect dental practices in Ireland along with guidance on risk management…

Key guidance for healthcare professionals on the subject of Swine Flu and Pandemic Influenza.

In what circumstances is a practitioner required, by law, to allow access to a patient’s records?

An update of the position statements relating to users of dental x-ray equipment.

How subscription levels are set and affected by Ireland members’ involvement in implant dentistry

Patients are often prompted to visit the dentist because they have been experiencing pain or discomfort. Recording the details of the pain (as described by the patient) in a structured, detailed fashion is an important aspect of clinical record keeping and can be invaluable in assisting the clinician to reach an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan, and in monitoring treatment outcomes.

Busy clinical teams often say that there is never enough time to apply all the risk management advice they are given. This series distils the key messages from a specific area of risk to provide some practical tools that can make a real difference right away.