You are quite right John and I am sure that everyone will agree that there
is more than one shade of grey here.

What I think the general concerns refer to are those who are not enlighted
and are not aware that they are not enlightened and this refers not just to
some nurses but to some HR / Medical Practitioners and in some cases
qualified OH nurses that continue practising on a historical model rather
than an evidence based model. I am sure that if I look through my career
there are times when this applies to me.

Amanda

-----Original Message-----
From: John Caffrey [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 10 July 2003 09:31
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Pre-employment questionnaires


Hi

As an RGN who at present is without the OH qualification (but that will be
resolved by this time next year) but plenty of experience and courses etc,
I have found some elements of the current discussion a bit disconcerting.
Yes I agree that the knowledge base is essential and that is why I study
as hard as I do and why that will never stop.  But to lump all RGN's into
one group and describe them as having tendencies to do "this and that"
quite frankly wrong.  We would not be justified in doing that with our
clients, then why do we do it with our colleagues?

When I examine PEQ I do not look for reasons to fail them, but with the
DDA in mind, I do look for ways to overcome any problems that may become
evident.  Suitable adjustments are then suggested as necessary.

Yours

John Caffrey
Occupational Health Advisor


-----Original Message-----
From: Christmas Giuliana [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 10 July 2003 08:54
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Pre-employment questionnaires


Hi,

I agree that someone with OH knowledge should review PEQs. OHAs have the
advantage not only of being aware of the problems that can lead to ill
health in the workplace, they generally have the opportunity to review the
health information and assess it in the context of the specific role and
working environment. In supervising RGNs examining PEQs, I have come across
a tendency for them to think of worst case scenarios as to why the job
can't
be done by the individual rather than looking at what can be done, with or
without reasonable adjustments. This is particularly true where the
applicant has a history of mental health problems.

Regards,

Giuliana

-----Original Message-----
From: diane romano woodward [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 09 July 2003 19:50
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Pre-employment questionnaires


Kennie and everyone-
Occupational health is a speciality in both medicine and nursing. Those of
us who have specialist training (diploma/degree/Masters) have encountered a
body of knowledge
which others will not , in the relationship in work and health- how work
may
affect health and how a persons pre-existing health problems may impact on
and be accommodated at work.
Relying on an RGN (who is not under the direct supervision an OH qualified
practitioner) makes about as much sense as expecting the same RGN to be
practising safely and competently in the speciality of cancer or children's
health or any other speciality. RGN training is a basis on which to expand
knowledge. If you rely on unsupervised RGN to make such decisions you may
get some wrong (and costly)decisions.
I would make the same assertion in using a "medical practitioner" without
an
OH qualification. As a very minimum a GP with OH diploma and that only for
the most straightforward of cases.
Am I preaching to the converted? Sorry..
Best wishes,
Diane
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kennie Adeoye" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 09, 2003 5:15 PM
Subject: Re: Pre-employment questionnaires


> We do not have an OH dept, we at the moment using an independent medical
advisor, but I do believe HR can open all PEQ and make referrals where
necessary (possibly under the guidance of a medical practitioner)and where
in doubt they refer.
> Is it necessary to refer all PEQ? Scenario:  With a past medical history
of a fracture and is seeking to work as an adm. support staff, do they
require a sound judgment on their fitness for that post?. Is the advise
here
to refer everyone who complete the PEQ? I will appreciate some advice.
>
> We have two Registered nurses and although they are not  Occ.health
qualified, the main issues here is are they competent to make that
decision.
>
> Kennie
>
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