Occupational injuries to NHS staff in England increase by a quarter

The number of mishaps and injuries involving staff working for the NHS in England has increased by almost 25%, says a report published by the National Audit Office this week.

The report shows that the number of such incidents reported by acute, mental health, and ambulance NHS trusts increased by 24% from 2000-1 to 2001-2, to 135 172.

The figures mean that the Department of Health's target for a 20% reduction in occupational ill health and injuries by 2001-2 has not been met. Just over a fifth of trusts achieved this target. The cost to NHS staff—in terms of occupational sick leave, permanent injury benefits, premature retirements, and out of court payments—is estimated at more than £173 per person.

Sir John Bourn, head …