The RCN media office is the UK's leading source of information for journalists on nursing issues. More than 300 organisations from around the country applied for funding from the Back in Work scheme, funded jointly by the Department of Health and the Health and Safety Executive. The RCN, in partnership with BackCare and Arjo, was one of 19 successful bids to become pilot projects, and one of only a few organisations to receive the maximum grant of 50,000. Initially based in four nursing homes, information from the pilot project will enable the RCN to develop a toolkit for the nursing and residential home sector, highlighting best practice for both employers and nursing staff.
Back pain is the leading cause of sickness absence from work.
More than 11 million working days are lost each year due to back pain, costing industry 5 billion Annual cost of back pain to the NHS is currently 481 million RCN partners in the pilot project are BackCare, formally the National Back Pain Association, a charity focusing on prevention of back pain and Arjo, a large health care equipment manufacturer, who have actively supported research into back pain.