The NHS needs to take action to reduce work related ill health

During the period 1998-99, 5469 NHS employees in England and Wales were granted retirement because of ill health. Pattani et al (p 208) examined the retirement forms of the first 2000 applicants and found that their mean age was 51.6 years and 72% were female. The commonest medical conditions resulting in retirement were musculoskeletal (49%), psychiatric (20%) and cardiovascular (11%). Almost half of retirees thought that their condition was caused by their work. The authors conclude that the huge cost to the NHS Pensions Agency of retirement because of ill health could be reduced if the NHS was able to prevent some work related ill health and encourage redeployment where ill health prevents staff from continuing their normal job.

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Relevant Article

Who retires early from the NHS because of ill health and what does it cost? A national cross sectional study

Shriti Pattani, Nick Constantinovici, and Siân Williams
BMJ 2001 322: 208-209. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]