Work Safely Work Well

North West Wales NHS Trust Approach to Back CareGillian Jones Strategic Back Care Advisor

Work Safely Work Well

The North West Wales NHS Trust provides services for the counties of Gwynedd, Ynys Mon and parts of Conwy.

It serves a population of about 225.000 people as well as large numbers of holiday makers who are attracted to the area.

Work Safely Work Well

The trust is responsible for 2 Acute hospitals, 9 Community Hospitals, 2 Mental Health Hospitals and 3 support bed units. All are supported by an extensive network of community, mental health and learning disability services.

It employs around 5,500 staff and has an annual budget of over £200 million.

Work Safely Work Well

The health and well-being of staff is a high priority for the Trust.

The Trust is committed to bring about a real sustained improvement in the health of it’s employees.

Managing sickness,will support the employee and reduces cost of recruitment and early retirement due to poor musculo-skeletal health.

Work Safely Work Well

Staff sickness absence effects: the quality of patient care Increased stress levels for co-workers Increased risk of injuryStaff moral

Work Safely Work Well

Organisational cost from staff sickness:Cost of employment increasesOccur cost in recruitment and trainingLegal costs.Loss of reputation and productivity.May not meet our legal duties

Work Safely Work Well

Effects on the individual:PainAnxiety and DepressionLoss of self worth Uncertainty about what the future holds

Work Safely Work Well

Trusts strategy to reduce injury and improve staff musculo- skeletal health has 3 core concepts.

1. The prevention of injury promotion of staff health and healthy backs.

2. Identifying causes of musculo-skeletal ill health

3. The promotion of safer handling for patients.

Initial Objectives: Work Safely Work Well Change Management

Set up a back care team (2003)

Ensure consistency in manual handling training across the Trust.

Trust signed up to The All Wales Manual Handling Training and Passport Scheme

Initial Objectives: Work Safely Work Well Change Management

Raising staff awareness by creating partnerships encouraging staff participation.

Identifying problems and solutions

1. Comprehensive Training needs analysis

2. Reviewed existing risk assessment documentation.

Initial Objectives Work Safely Work Well Review health at work management

systems1. SMART training for managers2. Review the no lift policy.3. Review health at work policy.4. Staffs perception of their own health5. Review access to treatment for staff.

Initial Objectives Work Safely Work Well Improve staff skills training

1. Train the Trainers course, Certificate of education course for back care team members.

2. Equipment provision, hoists, beds, chairs ect.

Work Safely Work Well Prevention of injury

Provide training for all staff following the passport scheme modules.

Foundation training, yearly refresher, load handling, porters, doctors, peri-operative, catering department, eye and dental staff, podiatrists, speech therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy staff training courses.

Work Safely Work Well Prevention of injury

New fully equipped mandatory training unit was opened in July 2006.

Work Safely Work Well Prevention of injury

Back care team and staff work together, sharing responsibilities of delivering quality patient care through safer handling practice.

Phased return to work assessments Safer Handling Policy and Bariatric

protocol.

Work Safely Work Well Case Study Causes of MSD

Pharmacy staff reported high incidence of lower back pain due to poor working areas on wards.

Risk assessment was undertaken of current practice.

Work Safely Work Well Case Study

Case Study

Case Study 2

Porters reported difficulties pushing new food hot locks.

Work Safely Work Well

Summary The Trust’s most important asset is the staff Prevention is better than cure Robust occupational health department and policies

to aid staff to return to work Phased return to work Flexi Time working Fast track rehabilitation Independent counselling service (MEDRA)