§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance is given to NHS nursing and auxiliary staff as regards lifting patients in and out of beds indicating if all(a) trusts and (b) authorities are required to insure nurses and auxiliary staff for back or related injuries sustained from lifting patients; and if she will make a statement. [49452]
§ Mr. MilburnThe National Health Service Executive issued revised guidance in June 1997 on Health and Safety at work in the NHS, copies of which are available in the Library. The guidance covers manual handling, and refers to complementary guidance in the Health Services Advisory Committee booklet "Guidance on Manual Handling of Loads in the Health Services". It also reminded managers of their responsibilities under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
All NHS employees are covered by the National Health Service (Injury Benefits) Scheme. This is a statutory scheme providing benefits where an injury or disease, which is attributable to NHS employment, results in either temporary loss of earnings or permanent reduction in earning ability.