A private healthcare provider managing a hospital in Ipswich has been fined for safety failings after an employee suffered a fractured kneecap.

Mrs Shelagh Allen, from Mendlesham, Suffolk, was working in the clinic room of a ward at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital on 5 May 2011 when the incident happened.

The floor of the clinic room was being wet-mopped by a housekeeper during the ward's busiest period. Mrs Allen went into the room after completing a patient drugs round and fell badly on her right knee causing a multiple fracture of her kneecap. Her knee was operated on at the hospital that same day and she was discharged two days later. She was fitted with a leg brace and was able to walk only with the aid of crutches for around 4 months.

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Mrs Allen could only return to work on light duties after ten months and still has to take painkillers. She now has reduced movement in her right knee and can no longer kneel on it. She may still have to undergo further surgery.

Ipswich Magistrates' Court heard that an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Nuffield Health had failed to ensure the safety of Mrs Allen and others whilst working in their hospital.

Nuffield Health, registered at 40-44 Coombe Road, New Malden, Surrey, admitted breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay £10,503.55 in costs. The company was also asked to pay a £15 victim surcharge, the proceeds of which will be spent on services for victims and witnesses.

(CD/GK)