To date I haven't changed my practice. I always discuss with the member of staff what I am going to put in the report before they leave my office. If I suspect it is going to be contentious then I do let the member of staff see it before I send it to management and give them a deadline to respond. If they fail to respond I then send it to management anyway. This would be stated in the letter/email.
I know this means I operate a two tier system but I don't see how letting someone see a report about a simple adjustment or phased return would improve my practice or make any difference to the staff member. Take the example of a member of staff (carpenter for instance) returning to work after a hernia repair. Depending on the length of time absent then I will suggest a phased return over a couple of weeks and restrict heavy lifting for a couple of weeks. What benefit is going to be gained by letting him see the report before I send it. Mostly they are delighted at my suggestion, management are happy that they are returning. Job done. I do send them a copy of the report at the same time as I send management one whether that be via email or snail mail. I might add here I have now made it common practice to send the GP a copy as well so they know what support the employer is able to give and I don't get written consent for that either.
However if the individual has been absent with stress, anxiety, depression and it is work related then I take a different approach as often I have to act as a facilitator/mediator to get the individual back to work. This often involves meetings with all parties concerned and coming to some agreement.
There is nothing to indicate at this time (that I am aware of) that says that the GMC guidelines on consent applies to OHN's and until I hear to the contrary from the NMC then I shall continue with my current practice. I am confident when staff leave me there will be 'no surprises' in my report and I haven't had any complaints yet. I do wonder whether we are all getting to bogged down by political correctness. Surely commonsense has to prevail. I always ask myself would I be able to defend my actions in a court if I had to and I honestly think I can.
Phew where did that all come from!!!!
Sue
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ian watkinson
Sent: 19 January 2010 21:59
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [OCC-HEALTH] Consent to releases OHP reports
I have just read the earlier thread on this subject.
If nurses and others are exempted (as they are not governed by the GMC) have
the nurses on this forum changed their practice with regards to this?
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