Hello Adel

I take the view that it is very unusual in my 15 years of specific OH practise that union reps attend OH consultations, however, I am aware that it can happen and if this is a request of the employee, this should be respected. I would always make it clear to them that the content of the consultation will be discussing all aspects do their lives, personal, work, PHM, concerns etc. and that if they are uncomfortable at any time, the consultation will be stopped with either the union rep/third party leaving or another appointment scheduled. I have had similar situations when a manager has attended part of a consultation - at the request of both parties - and then departed at the appropriate time, and this has worked very well as engaging with management and developing good relationships is essential for effective results. It is of course important to always advise the employee that they are not obliged to answer any questions they do not feel happy to (whether a third party is present or not).

If it is the union rep requesting to attend however, of course this would require the employee consent along with a good rationale for attendance, as well as offering the above advise to the employee so that they are fully informed.

In my experience, it is not uncommon for union reps to attend some case conference meetings (depending on the case itself), and in these instances their presence can be very helpful and whether the employee is present or not, it often gives peace of mind that they will be represented from both an OH and union perspective, albeit we all remain impartial and neutral.

I hope this is helpful; in essence, union reps attending OH medical consultation appointments in my opinion is not the norm and I would have some concerns in practising regularly in this way as routine, and just to clarify, someone mentioned that permission for union rep attendance would be required from the manager as the appointment may take longer. I think this is irrelevant as it should only be the employee being addressed and answering any questions. Any contractual / organisational issues should be dealt with separately with, where appropriate, management, HR, union rep etc. forming part of the group...such as a case conference for example, with OH to represent from a health perspective where applicable.

Kind Regards

Tracie Mckelvie
Mob: 07975 924205

> On 2 Mar 2016, at 12:47, Dickinson, Adel <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> Thanks everyone so far for the responses.
> It's always good to get others viewpoints.
> Appreciate you taking the time to get back to me.
>
> Kind regards
> Adel
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Lynda
> Sent: 02 March 2016 12:25
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Union attending OH medical appointments
>
> Hi
> In my organisation in our pre appointment information to patient letter, we state we will see the patient alone and that if they wish to be accompanied this must be agreed before the appointment with the referring manager.
> This is mainly because a two person appointment inevitably takes longer.The third party is then asked to sign a confidentiality agreement confirming that they understand the relevant legislation around confidentiality and will not discuss matters disclosed and agreeing that they will not be able to enter any discussions unless invited to translate any queries.
> In my view it would be difficult to have a really good helpful consultation with someone bristling in the room and as such we would not be doing the best we can for our patient.
> Hope this is helpful.
> Kind regards
> Lynda Bruce
> Aberdeen
>
> ________________________________________
> From: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of Adel Dickinson <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: 02 March 2016 10:48
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: [OCC-HEALTH] Union attending OH medical appointments
>
> Morning all
> Wondering if anyone has had similar dealings or can advise on the following; Currently at some of our sites we have had union trade representatives attending OH appointments. The reason being is they claims that they have been asked to attend by the employee.
>
> Now we have had a discussion in house OH/HR and agreed that it does not seem appropriate that Union are stating they attend OH appointments. Reason being it is a private and confidential assessment discussing medical information. If the employee wishes for Union to receive a copy of the OH report that can be arranged.
>
> Union have stated another reason they attend is that historically employees have reported that their contracts have been discussed - I cannot confirm nor verify this.
>
> I personally had a dealing last week whereby union attended after bursting in - claiming they were there to translate 'better' to the employee even though we had been communicating with no issues. The assessment was very difficult as they sat and interrupted throughout, made reference to what the employee could and could not do and what area of work they should / should not be doing.
>
> Can anyone advise in terms of legality's and where OH sit in terms of declining union to attend is this possible?
> Thanks all
> Look forward to your responses.
>
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