Obese patients cause back pain for thousands of nurses

Obese patients are causing thousands of nurses to seek treatment for back pain, the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) warned last week.

About 5,000 nurses are currently being treated for back injuries as a result of patients’ ballooning weight, according to the BCA.

The Department of Health said no health professionals should put their safety at risk when lifting patients manually. “Hoists, sliding aids and other specialised equipment mean staff should no longer have to risk injury while doing their job,” a spokesman said.

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