HC Deb 27 February 1984 vol 55 c76W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will provide extra resources to alleviate the problem of nurses' back injuries due to lifting patients; what steps he is taking to implement the recommendations of the Health and Safety Executive on lifting patients; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

We are aware of the concern which has been expressed over the incidence of back injuries amongst nurses and other NHS staff. Our Department has received advice and recommendations from a number of sources over the past 18 months, including the guidance produced by the Royal College of Nursing and the Report of the Health Services Advisory Committee.

Some time ago our Department commissioned a mojor research study, being undertaken in the university of Surrey, into mechanical and physical methods of lifting patients. This research is expected to be completed in August 1984.

The reduction or elimination of back injuries will produce its own savings and we are sure that health authorities recognise this in the allocations of resources to training and the provision of mechanical aids. We propose to await the results of the research sudy before deciding whether any further advice is necessary. Meanwhile the Report of the Health Services Advisory Committee is being drawn to the attention of the appropriate regional professional staff in their meetings with Departmental Officials.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the number of working days lost each year from back pain amongst nurses, ambulancemen and other staff; what is the estimated financial cost to the National Health Service; and what is the total annual cost of back injuries to the National Health Service.

Mr. John Patten

Information is not available about the incidence of back injuries among NHS staff or about the cost to the NHS of treating back injuries among its own staff or other patients.

The number of days of certified incapacity for conditions of the back recorded on claims for sickness, invalidity and injury benefit for Great Britain in the year ending 31 May 1982 was 34.5 million.