New health and safety blueprint for NHS

The executive agency of the NHS has signed a new agreement with the Health
and Safety Executive (HSE) to make hospitals in England safer for staff,
patients and visitors.

A ‘concordat’ between the two bodies sets out a blueprint for working
together on safety.

The document targets specific areas that cause the most accidents or cases
of ill health within the healthcare sector, including slips, trips and falls,
maintenance safety and violence against staff.

The concordat – which is available online – has been drawn up to ensure the
two organisations can harmonise advice and guidance to staff and produce
accurate benchmark data.

HSE director general Timothy Walker said: "The concordat will ensure
those with responsibilities to manage estate-related risks within public
healthcare in England are given the sources of practical and effective guidance
needed to help them deliver their part in the reduction of accidents within healthcare."

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Peter Wearmouth, chief executive of NHS Estates, said: "This is a step
forward in raising the profile of health and safety in the estates sector. It
will serve as a platform for providing comprehensive, practical advice across
the NHS."

www.hse.gov.uk/healthservices
www.nhsestates.gov.uk