Explanation for Patients
We are an independent confidential health service. Your employer has a duty of care for your health and safety at work and has referred to us for advice on your fitness for work.
We are a team of nurses and doctors who have specialised in occupational health, the branch of medicine that deals with the relationship between your work and your health. You can expect us to treat you courteously and with respect for your privacy and dignity. We seek to provide early assistance for employees who have been unable to work for a period of time (or in some cases where a prolonged period of time off work is predicted).
Our goals are to:
- enable the rehabilitation of employees returning to work following ill health.
- assist employee to achieve good health by providing health advice and support.
- prevent employees from becoming ill as a result of the work they do.
- work in partnership with your employer to resolve issues in the workplace that may be having an adverse effect on your health.
Occupational health nurses are distinctive because we offer a holistic approach that focuses on the person, their work and their workplace rather than just the health problem. We can help with identifying and managing workplace risks and exposures that can cause ill health.
There is strong evidence that work is generally good for physical health and wellbeing. Prolonged absence from work invariably results in a downturn in mental health, and puts employment at risk which can further worsen the situation. Occupational health interventions at an early stage can be helpful in reducing the risk of long term absence.
FAQs
How is the assessment performed?
Our nurse will be in touch with you via the contact information provided by your manager (this may be by email, phone or text). A consultation time will be arranged that is suitable for you. Our preferred method is by telehealth which involves a secure videocall. We have found that this more closely mirrors a face to face consultation. You will be sent an appointment link. You do not need to download any software or sign up. If you are not confident with this, or if there are technical issues then we can call by telephone.
Is the assessment confidential?
As with all healthcare consultations, our team work within strict guidelines regarding medical information and confidentiality. Your consent is required for us to send an occupational health report to your employer. Our team will discuss the content with you during the call. We find that consent is not normally a concern, as employers are often already aware of the nature of the health problem and it can be helpful for them to understand the rationale to our recommendations. However, if divulging medical details concerns you, then we will respect that, and work with you to see if we can generate advice about your fitness for work without releasing medical information.
Will the session be recorded?
No, we do not record audio or video of the session. With your permission we may use AI scribe technology which transcribes the session into clinical notes. This allows our clinicians to be more in the moment with you, and ensures accurate information is noted.
How long will the consultation take?
You can expect your consultation to take between 30 minutes and an hour. Please get yourself ready and log into the consultation in good time, prior to the appointment time. It may take 5 minutes or so to enter the consultation. If you are using a phone please make sure it has adequate charge, and that you are in an area with good signal and that is away from distractions.
Will our occupational health team replace the care I am receiving from my own doctor/ specialist?
No. We are not responsible for your medical care. That continues to be the responsibility of your own doctor or specialist. With your consent, we may communicate with your doctor to clarify medical details, or to pass on information which we feel would be helpful for your treatment.
What will we want to discuss?
We will have received information from your employer about the reasons for your absence. We will ask questions about your job role, and will assess your health issues.
Firstly we would like to know what is the cause of the absence, whether a diagnosis has been made and what treatment you are receiving. We will work with you to look at when you may be able to return to work, if you require any adjustments to your work when you return, and if there is anything your employer could do to help. We can advise on your medical treatment and help ensure that you are navigating the health services available to you.
Please have ready:
- details of any medications you have been prescribed.
- names of specialists you are under the care of and details of any forthcoming appointments or operations.
- if you have reports of x-rays/ scans, other investigations or blood tests it can be very helpful to know if these demonstrated abnormalities.
- details of how long your current medical certificate runs.
If you are not sure why you have been referred, please ask your manager or HR to clarify this.
Can I have a copy of my report?
Yes. It is your right to have access to your report. We can copy your report to your email address if you wish. Please let the team know.
What happens after the consultation?
After the consultation an occupational health report will be sent to your employer contact (the referring manager/ HR). This will contain any health information that have consented to release of, the sort of work you are fit for, any adjustments which are needed on health grounds. The report will also cover any questions asked by the referrer such as the likelihood of you sustainably returning to work, whether further absence is expected.
Do I have to attend the consultation?
No. It remains your choice. If you do not wish to attend the consultation please let us know as soon as possible, as late cancellations or unattended consultations will be charged to your employer. If you are not happy to attend, then it does mean that we will be unable to gather information in order to advise on your case, your employer would not have the benefit of occupational health advice which is unlikely to be in your best interests.