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Ergonomic Stool

The Problem

Many clinicians work at a low level, such as midwives at floor level or consultants treating small children. This often results in bad posture, as the spine and hips are misaligned. Working in this position for any length of time can be extremely uncomfortable for the clinician, and they become susceptible to muscular pain in the lumbar region of the spine, neck and shoulders. This type of prolonged bad posture can also result in discomfort and loss of feeling in the toes as a result of poor circulation to the lower limbs.

The Solution

An Occupational Health Officer at The County Durham and Darlington Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Lynn Pattison, has developed a novel Ergonomic Stool, which aims to alleviate these problems. It is a low stool that allows the user to maintain a comfortable posture, thereby ensuring that the spine is in the correct position. The sitting position encouraged is demonstrated in the image shown above. The Ergonomic Stool can be wiped clean, thereby ensuring the risk of infection is reduced between patients.

Benefit to the NHS

NHS Innovations North has protected the Ergonomic Stool via the registered design route. The stool has been successfully licensed to MDTi Limited, a leading UK medical device manufacturer. Preliminary trials are currently being conducted and the product will soon be available in the UK market. Upon launch, the product will be available to other UK NHS Trusts as well as the wider healthcare market, and has the potential to improve occupational back care for NHS staff in a wide range of healthcare environments.

For further information please contact Anna Taylor on 0191 5164400 or email anna.taylor@nhsinnovationsnorth.org.uk

24/Feb/2010

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