What is Occupational Health?
Occupational health (OH) is concerned with the health of employees in the workplace.
We make sure your work does not adversely affect your health, and that your ability to work is affected as little as possible by any health condition.
Why am I having the referral?
OH Referrals (often called management referrals) happen for many reasons and you probably already have some idea about why you have been referred.
Managers often ask for OH referrals when they are concerned about the health of an employee. Your manager should communicate with you about the reasons behind this referral.
Some common reasons include:
To aid a safe return to work after illness or injury
To understand new diagnoses and their impact on work and vice versa
To support long term conditions at work
To assess ill health retirement cases
To review health after an accident at work
To give advice about medical capability
This list isn’t exhaustive!
What will happen at the appointment?
The OH specialist will introduce themselves and confirm you understand why you have been referred and that you consent to proceed. They will talk with you about your job, medical history, and any health problems you may be experiencing.
The purpose of the appointment is not to diagnose problems or prescribe medicines. The OH Specialist is there to advise on managing health in a work context. They may give you some advice and signposting to information and resources to help you.
We carry out both face-to-face and remote referral appointments.
Some health problems are better seen face-to-face, such as some skin conditions which are difficult to assess via video. If your health issue would benefit from a physical examination you may be asked to attend a face-to-face appointment. It is very unlikely you will have to undress unless you have a particular injury or condition concealed by your clothes that needs to be examined. If it helps you feel more comfortable, you can request a chaperone.
The vast majority of appointments, however, only need a conversation.
What happens after the appointment?
After the appointment, the OH Specialist will write a report for the referring manager. This will offer their advice and medical opinion, and attempt to answer any questions asked in the referral. It will not disclose any confidential information without your consent.
The advice given by occupational health is only advice, and your employer will need to decide whether it is 'reasonably practicable' to follow it.
You will be given the opportunity to see the report before your employer if you want to. We will ask for your consent to share the report with your employer. If you disagree with the report, you may request changes to factual inaccuracies, but cannot ask the OH Specialist to change their opinion. If you do not consent to us sharing the report with your employer, we will let them know, and they will need to make decisions without the benefit of medical advice.
Do I need to do anything?
It is useful to bring a list of any medication you are currently taking. If the appointment is face-to-face and concerns your vision, it would be helpful to bring your glasses or contact lenses if worn.
If you are currently under the care of a specialist or consultant, it may be useful to bring their name(s) and contact details, and any letters you have from them about your condition. They will not be contacted without your written permission.
If the OH specialist needs further information from your GP or specialist they will discuss this with you at the time. We will never seek this information without your consent.
Otherwise, just arrive on time and don't worry. The specialist is there to offer impartial, professional advice to you and your employer to make your working life happier and healthier.
What happens to my information?
All OH medical records are protected in the same way as GP or hospital records. Your employer will not be able to see them without your informed consent.
In the meantime...
Hopefully you now have a better idea of what to expect when you meet the occupational health specialist.
Remember, the specialist is impartial and very experienced in work-related health issues.
You will be informed of when and where your appointment will take place. If this is inconvenient, please let us know as soon as possible to allow us time to make alternative arrangements.
Telephone: 03300 948900
Email: admin@allhealthmatters.co.uk
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