FREE PHYSIO SERVICE FOR MERCHANT NAVY RATINGS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: february 2013 :: RMTnews F ree physiotherapy, funded by the Seamen’s Hospital Society (SHS) and provided by Connect Physical Health, is making a real difference to the lives of merchant navy ratings. The scheme has proved a success with 60 merchant navy ratings using it in the first year. New leaflets and posters are now being issued with the help of RMT, to remind their members about the service. Working at sea is a challenging job and work- related injuries are common. Long periods offshore make it difficult to arrange treatment and problems that are left untreated may just get worse. The SHS scheme offers a combination of telephone advice and exercises while ratings are working, followed by hands-on treatment if they need it once they get home. And it’s all free. SHS general secretary Peter Coulson explained that musculoskeletal problems were common in the merchant navy and, if left untreated, can lead to long-term damage and absence from work. “Our service tackles this problem head on, by providing expert telephone advice offshore with an appointment for treatment as soon as you get home. “It’s available to any merchant navy rating who’s resident in the UK and it’s fast, free and convenient,” he said. RMT national secretary Steve Todd said: “we know how difficult it can be to get treatment when you’re working at sea so we’re doing all we can to help the SHS raise awareness of this important service. “We’re sending copies of the new posters and leaflets to branch representatives so that they can distribute them through their networks. And all shipping grade members will get a copy of the leaflet in this issue of RMT News,” he said. Ratings using the service in the first year were employed in many different roles, from deckhands to engineers and catering staff. Back and shoulder problems were the most common, affecting two thirds of callers, followed by foot, knee and ankle problems affecting about a fifth. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and even those with longstanding problems have benefited. Ben Watling, Head of Occupational Physiotherapy Services at Connect said that many of the ratings who accessed the service had been managed successfully by telephone, with a mix of advice and exercise programmes. “About two fifths needed face-to-face treatment, which was arranged by Connect close to their homes. “Many of them were off work by then, but the treatment made a significant difference and so far, 90 per cent of those who’ve been discharged are back on full duties,” he said. SHS is working with Connect, trade unions and employers to publicise the scheme to all UK merchant navy ratings. Together they hope to raise awareness of the health needs of seafarers across the country, and show that physiotherapy treatment can help them, both at work and in their everyday lives. To access the service call Connect PhysioLine on: 0191 247 500. Lines are open Monday to Thursday 8.30am – 8pm; Friday 8.30am – 4pm; Saturday 9am – noon. or call the helpline on freephone 0800 376 3706 Visit www.rmt.org.uk to join online JOIN RMT BRITAIN’S SPECIALIST TRANSPORT UNION Problems at work? Call the helpline (Now with two operators) Keep your RMT membership details up-to-date In the light of draconian anti-trade union laws that have been used against the union, members should keep their personal data up to date. It also important to note that in order to keep members informed your union requires your mobile telephone number and email address. Members can do this via the RMT website, telephone the RMT helpline above, or writing to the membership department at RMT head office, Chalton Street, London NW1 1JD. 10 FREE PHYSIO SERVICE FOR MERCHANT NAVY RATINGS