How can I be referred?
As your occupational health provider, your manager can refer you to the OH SS. Where this has been agreed, you may also request a self-referral appointment. To request a self-referral appointment, please phone or email us at cnwl.occupationalhealth@nhs.net
What can I expect on my first visit?
On your first visit you will see one of our nurses or doctors for an occupational health assessment. This involves going through some questions to get a history of your health which will allow us to focus on the main issues that are affecting your health and work.
Please bring any medical reports about your condition, details of your medication, and any glasses if you wear them. It is important that you arrive on time so that we do not have to cut short your visit or cause delays for those who have appointments after you. If you are going to be late, please let us know. We may have to ask you to visit at another time. We will let your employer know about any missed or postponed appointments.
What if I need help relating to a disability or language difficulty during my visit?
If you need assistance during your visit to the Occupational Health Service, please let us know beforehand. We have made some adjustments to our department to cater for most people:
- We have a portable induction loop for people with hearing difficulties
- We can provide information in a larger font on request
- We are located on the ground floor and parking can be arranged in advance for people with severe mobility problems
- You are welcome to bring someone with you if you need personal assistance.
- Foreign language and sign language interpreters can be arranged if you let us know in advance.
Is my visit to the occupational health confidential?
Our staff will not disclose any personal information or information about your health to anyone else without your consent, including your employer.
Occasionally the requirement for prior consent can be overridden if this is justified through a serious risk to your health, the health of others or if the law requires it. For example, if the occupational health service is instructed by a court order or through a formal legal request. For more information please see you and your OH records
What happens if you need more medical information from me?
We may need more information about your health from your GP or a specialist. We can only ask for this with your consent. If this is necessary, the process will be explained to you during your visit. Any medical reports from your GP or a specialist will be sent directly to the NWL Occupational Health Service and not your employer.
Can I see my health records?
You can access any of your records held by the OH SS in accordance with the Data Protection Act. Further details are available on our 'You and Your Occupational Health Records' leaflet.
What will Occupational Health tell my employer?
After your visit, we will prepare a response to the manager who made your referral or to your human resources adviser. This may include:
- An assessment of your health and how this affects your work.
- A judgement on your fitness to carry out your normal work duties and whether your work needs modifying.
- Where possible, an indication of the time-scale for your recovery.
- An opinion whether your condition may be considered a disability and any work adjustments you may require.
- Consideration for ill health retirement
- Advice on some health and safety issues.
Does my employer need to know what is wrong with my health?
If you have already told your employer what is wrong with you, then some information about how this affects your work can be a bit more explicit, but generally the employer does not need to know the specific nature of any condition in order to manage your work situation safely.
Can I see the response to my employer?
Yes, you will have an opportunity to see the response to your employer, if you wish.
What if I do not agree to the release of the response to my employer?
In this instance, we will inform your employer that the assessment has been completed and that we do not have your consent to release the report at this stage. Your employer will need to follow their procedures without occupational health advice in relation to your work.
What happens if I have referred myself to Occupational Health?
Your health must be our priority and we do not want to do anything that will impact negatively on your health. With your consent, we will talk to you about any advice that we will be giving your employer.
Can I have a consultation by telephone?
Yes you can. Where this is not possible, we will let you know.
Telephone consultations:
Telephone consultations usually take about 45 minutes for your first assessment and 30 minutes for a review.
Please make sure that you are prepared for your consultation and have the following information with you when we call:
- Details of your GP and any specialists
- Any medical reports from your GP or hospital about your condition
- Any medication you are taking or have been prescribed
- A note of any questions you want to ask us
Please make sure you have a quiet and comfortable area in which you can receive our call. You may wish to have someone with you if you feel you need some support.
If the number we are to call you on is incorrect in the appointment letter we send you, or you wish to be called on another number, please let us know. We normally call on a landline number. If we have to call you on a mobile number, please make sure the phone is fully charged.
It is important that you are available at the pre-arranged time of the call so that we do not cause delays to other appointments following yours. If you will not be available at the time or date we have arranged, please let us know so that we can rearrange your appointment. Your employer will be informed of any missed appointments.
If you have any further questions, please contact us on 020 3317 3350.
