§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what advice is given by his Department to trusts about their liability for injury to nurses and ancillaries arising from them lifting or moving patients; [73708]
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- (2) what advice is given to nurses and ancillaries in (a) hospitals and (b) domiciliary situations about the methods and extent to which they are authorised to lift or move patients; and if he will make a statement; [73707]
- (3) if all trusts employing nurses and ancillary staff are required to insure them against injury arising from the lifting or moving of patients. [73706]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 26 February 1999]: The Government are committed to improving the health, safety and welfare of NHS patients and staff.
Insurance arrangements are a matter for National Health Service employers to determine locally. Staff who are injured in the course of their duties are entitled to payments from the National Health Service (Injury Benefits) Scheme for loss of earnings. They may also be entitled to compensation payments as a result of local insurance arrangements.
National Health Service employers, like all employers, are required to comply with the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974, the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 and other statutory health and safety requirements.
The National Health Service Executive issued guidance on 18 May 1998 on "The Management of Health, Safety and Welfare Issues for NHS Staff'. This guidance explains the obligations of NHS employers as well as giving advice on manual handling and other health and safety matters.
The National Health Service Executive sponsored a series of seminars around the country last year on health and safety issues.