I absolutely agree. It's pointless asking these health questions
without a pre-existing risk assessment of the work to be undertaken and
a clear understanding of the adjustments that can be made. You need an
appropriate level of competence to do this. Kate
>>> [log in to unmask] 09/07/03 19:50:21 >>>
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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