A 24-YEAR-OLD hospital cleaner, whose hand was pierced by a hypodermic needle while she was emptying a plastic waste bag, has lost her claim for up to £30,000 damages against St Colmcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown, Co Dublin.
Judge Liam Devally said in Dublin Circuit Civil Court yesterday that Ms Mandy Power, of Rathsallagh Drive, Shankill, Co Dublin, had claimed for damages for nervousness, insomnia and anxiety and apprehension of contracting AIDs or hepatitis.
He told Mr Eoin Murnaghan, for the hospital, that while there should not have been a needle in the ordinary disposal bin, he had been satisfied as to Ms Power's personal carelessness in going about her duties.
Ms Power knew needle safety was paramount and had previously been warned for failing to clean areas properly and leaving them in an unsatisfactory condition.