A CONTROVERSIAL plan to employ paramedics on a busy hospital ward is poised to get the go-ahead.

The pilot scheme to recruit mercy men to work at Blackburn Royal Infirmary will be one of the first of its kind in the UK.

At least five paramedics have expressed an interest in taking part in the new strategy which is poised to start on July 1 for 12 months.

The proposal is aimed at reducing the heavy workload of hard-pressed junior doctors who will be able to enjoy more free time at weekends.

Hospital chiefs have drawn up a list of duties the paramedics can perform, including cardiac massage and patient transfer to operating theatres.

They will work on the medical assessment unit where they will be prohibited from performing tasks such as administering drugs and assessing patients.

Initially they will work at weekends, but evening sessions could be included soon.

A top-level report drawn up by health bosses says the paramedics will wear tunic jackets with green epaulettes provided by the hospital.

The report, which was discussed by Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley NHS Trust Board yesterday said the paramedics will not replace either medical or nursing staff. It added they would only carry out tasks they have been trained to perform.

Lancashire Ambulance NHS Trust will monitor the scheme and check that the paramedics do not work more than 48 hours a week.

Health watchdogs have already expressed reservations that ambulance staff will be working beyond their normal hours.

In his report, trust chief executive John Thomas said: "In exchange for helping to reduce the work intensity of junior doctors, the paramedics will gain knowledge, experience and skills.

"They will receive the same skills enhancements available on the wards to other staff so that their knowledge and skills are also enhanced."

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