A nurse who will never work again after damaging her back while trying to
move a faulty hospital bed has won £45,000 in compensation, with the help
of her trade union UNISON.
Jacqueline Crowe, 46, from Stanley, in County Durham, was forced to leave
her job after the accident at South Moor Hospital, in Stanley.
The UKÕs largest public sector union took her claim to Newcastle County
Court and the case was settled on the first day of the hearing with Durham
and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.
Mrs Crowe was injured while trying to move the hospital bed to change the
sheets.
The bed brake failed to release, so when she pulled the bed towards her she
jarred her back and neck, which brought back a previous injury.
She is now suffering from depression and must take strong painkillers every
day.
Mrs Crowe said:
ÒI worked as a nurse for more than 20 years and enjoyed my career.
ÒLifting and handling was a large part of my job and I had been trained in the
correct techniques.
ÒHowever, the bedÕs brake was faulty and the simplest move has led to me
being unable to work.Ó
Liz Twist, UNISONÕs Regional Head of Health, said:
ÒWe welcome the compensation from the Durham and Darlington Acute
Hospitals NHS Trust.
ÒThe NHS can ill-afford to lose trained nurses and Mrs Crowe should never
have been put in this situation in the first place.
ÒThe most common injury suffered by nurses is a back injury.
ÒProblems like this one can be avoided if the equipment is kept in good
repair.
ÒWe would urge all employers to make sure they are abiding by health and
safety regulations.Ó
Michelle Reid-Mitchell, from ThompsonÕs Solicitors, added: ÒIf the hospital
had ensured its equipment was in good working order Mrs Crowe would not
have suffered from serious back pain for another seven years.
ÒA simple check of equipment could have avoided this accident.Ó