Work Injured Nurses Group (WING): Supporting nurses who suffer from work-related injury or illness.

1. Work Injured Nurses Group (WING): Supporting nurses who suffer from work-related injury or illness. Maria Bryson, RN Steward, Safety Rep. Royal College of Nursing

2. Work Injured Nurses Group(WING) Supporting nurses who suffer from work-related injury or illness

3. Brief History • 1983 Vicki Seabrook, a solicitor for the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) met a kindred sprit. For some time Vicki had been concerned about the number of nurses with back problems associated with their work who appeared to receive little or no help/support. • She and Frances Bennet (an injured nurse) set up a series of informal meetings for back-injured nurses. The RCN supported and financed these meetings and provided speakers. This became the “Back Group.”

4. By 1985 Vicki had left the RCN and Frances had returned to work. John Goodlad (RCN Health and Safety Officer) took over correspondence “temporarily.” He contacted all interested members and set up a meeting to look at the needs of such a group. • 1986 first “official” meeting. A committee was formed and objectives set, including a news-letter. Originally membership was open to all injured nurses but in 1991 it was restricted to full and associated RCN members only.

5. As the group expanded, it was confused with the Back Pain Group and nurses with conditions other than back injuries were looking for information and support. John Goodlad came up with the name “Work Injured Nurses Group.” And WING took off! • At this point, its remit included all nurses who were either ill or injured as a result of their work. • This has again expanded and it now includes nurses who have any illness or disability that impacts upon their work.

6. Functions of RCN WING • To give personal support to nurses affected by injury or ill health. • Through newsletter and dedicated advice line, members can get advice on rights, government benefits, support from others who have “been there.” Networking and supporting newly disabled nurses. Surviving litigation. • RCN WING Guide for injured, ill, or disabled nurses.

7. Membership • First and foremost a support group for injured, ill, or disabled nurses. • Self-help group sharing good and bad experiences. • Membership is free and also open to “interested parties” within the RCN, e.g. Safety Reps, Stewards, and Occupational Health Nurses.

8. Other Activities • Training – Study days for reps, members and other nurses. • Discretionary fund – Member for one year or more to be able to apply for small sums (up to £400) for needs relating to activities of daily living, adaptations, towards cost of retraining to a different career direction. • Advice line – Phone, e-mail, and letters.

9. Future Plans • RCN WING is one of the fastest growing groups within the RCN. • Increasing the number of regional reps. • Networking with other interested groups in other countries. • Establishing links with important bodies within the UK. • To stop the thinking of illness = ill health retirement.