NHS Innovations North

Ergonomic Stool

The Problem

Many professionals 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 is extremely uncomfortable for the professional, as they become susceptible to muscular back pain in the lumbar region of the spine, neck and shoulders. This type of prolonged bad posture also results 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 Acute NHS Trust has come up with a novel stool designed to eliminate all these health risks and improve the working conditions for hospital staff. It is a low stool that allows the user to maintain a comfortable posture, ensuring that the spine is in the correct position. The sitting position is demonstrated in the image opposite. The stool can be wiped clean ensuring risk of infection is reduced between patients.

Benefits to the NHS

NHS Innovations North have ensured the product is now protected through registered design. The stool has been licensed to MDTi, a leading UK medical goods manufacturer. Preliminary trials are currently being conducted and the product will soon be available in the UK market. On launch, the product will be available to other UK trusts as well as a wider healthcare market, and has the potential to improve occupational back care for NHS staff in a wide range of  healthcare environments. This will generate revenue for the Trust.

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