sorry to go at a tangent but on the back of Sharons comments, does anyone accept the "med 3's" or "refrain from work notes" from physio, osteopaths etc
HR had one a couple of weeks ago week and asked my opinion
Jacqui
--- On Wed, 9/7/08, Carr Barnes <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
From: Carr Barnes <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] back to work before sick cert expiry
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Wednesday, 9 July, 2008, 12:06 PM
Hi again
I agree Sharon, and i think often it's important to explain to HR/manager's that we don't ask for a GP's opinion on fitness for work when seeking a medical report as many employers seem to believe we are just a conduit for the flow of information and have no real understanding that the detail in a medical report is just used to inform our opinion further where relevant. This then helps reduce the situations where OH is seen by management, unions etc as "contradicting" the GP and the employer is "challenging" the GP opinion. I try where possible to encourage management not to use such terms as it fosters an unneccessary adversarial situation.
On 09/07/2008, Naylor, Sharon [HMPS] <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
GP`s do their thing, I do mine, usually keep them in the loop, rarely ask for their opinion and never their "permission" if I have confidence in mine. Most things really not that complicated that further medical opinion needed. Ultimately It is up to the employer whose opinion they want to follow, their own OH person with intrinsic knowledge of the working environment or a GP sitting in a surgery somewhere. Med 3 is for SSP purposes only , its been elevated to a quasi legal document upon which the ten commandments may be written by some, but we know better. Incidentally have seen rip off Med 3 s issued from people like chiropractors and complementary therapists, I dont even accept those as half valid
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Wendy Stimson
Sent: 09 July 2008 09:20
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] back to work before sick cert expiry
Hi Julian
Whilst I agree with what others have said my opinion on this would be that whilst your advice could be considered 'specialist advice' I wonder what you have based your recommendations on, obviously you have made your assessment, but you don't appear to have gathered medical specialist opinion? He has been given a diagnosis on the Med 3, has he had investigations? MRI? Have you considered requesting a specialist opinion to confirm the basis of that diagnosis? Only then do I believe you can really make recommendations about RTW etc.
I always think it is good to involve the GP, as a general rule. I believe it is important as OHAs that we are building relationships with the GPs - they are after all the primary carers, and if we could improve relationships generally our life could become easier.
I am also very pro the holistic assessment, are you sure there are no other factors or underlying medical conditions? History of depression, anxiety that could be related to his back pain - therefore being his main reason for seemingly not wanting to work nights - but of course do not assume that this is related to him not wanting to work nights.
Personally I would liaise with the GP, keep them on side, get the medical perspective, investigations, treatment plan etc as well as asking what led to that diagnosis. You can then provide a 'specialist report' knowing you have considered all factors and make your recommendations around fitness to RTW.
Kind regards
Wendy
Wendy Stimson, RGN PG Dip OH
Occupational Health Service Manager
Constructing Better Health,
B&CE Building, Manor Royal, Crawley RH10 9QP
Tel: 01293 586594
Mobile: 07825 200769
Fax: 01293 586822
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
www.constructingbetterhealth.co.uk
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of julian baldock
Sent: 09 July 2008 08:57
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] back to work before sick cert expiry
Thanks for advice received, in this case I believe the company are approaching this from both a production and welfare point of view equally. My rationale to writing to the GP is a professional courtesy and I don't think that there will be any "conflict" issues.
It is great to get others views as it helps to clarify your own thought processes and decisions.
Thanks
Julian Baldock
[log in to unmask]
Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2008 08:25:38 +0100
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] back to work before sick cert expiry
To: [log in to unmask]
Good Morning Julian
I agree with Helen.
However in these cases it is vital to stress to line management the importance of following OH advice to the letter. ie following ramp up and modification advice,confirming good postures etc and daily confirming with the employee his well being.
All to often the prime management objective is getting the person back to work, and when that is achieved then they neglect to follow advice given, thus playing straight into the employees hands!
Regarding the shift issues then this is an altogether separate OH referral, as the initial referral has been for the back pain issue and not advice regarding fitness for shifts
Sometimes it is a cat and mouse game back and to from management to OH but if we all play our part correctly and document along the way a good outcome is achieved
lastly advice regarding lifestyle and weightloss may also help his back pain
regards
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