Thanks a million for your thoughts...I will contact you off line Carr.
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:14:10 +0000
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [OCC-HEALTH]
To: [log in to unmask]
have a look at this Trish2010/1/26 Carr Barnes <[log in to unmask]>
Hi TrishThings to take into account.
- There is no NHS system so you have to pay to see the GP, for medicines etc at significant cost unless you have private health insurance to claim it back on.
- secondary treatments like counselling and physiotherapy are on a self -referral basis usually again at the cost to the individual.
- The culture is still very "sick role" orientated and advice to see another practitioner e.g. physio is not routinely given. Medication is prescribed first!
- Inpatient admission for depression is common!
- You can go to any GP you want so if your GP won't sign you off then the individual can take his business elsewhere (and does frequently!)
- Most employer's liability policies are tied into GP certification making "fit notes" in the worst sense a reality.
- Occupational Health is not recognised and most GPs are not au fait with it. Where it does exist it is usually a GP who does OH out of his surgery. In one place I worked he wanted to be both GP and "company doctor" to employees and i had to make him choose one role or the other.
- The GP will rarely speak to you. We tried to leaflet, invite to site etc with minimal success.
- The Access to Medical Reports Act does not apply over here.
- Industrial/employment law is very different and only recognises the GP.
Obviously there are fantastic GPs out there trying to be pro-active in a very reactive system but you have to think of OH as being 20 years behind the UK over here.Carr2010/1/26 Trish Hall <[log in to unmask]>I am currently practicing in S Ireland and am having difficulties with the amount of sickness absence granted by GP's. It seems that sick certs are issued for every minor ailment.
I have suggested to HR that either we make a leaflet to send to the surgeries, or invite the GP's into our place of work and showing them whats on offer by way of light/restricted/alternate duties etc may help. I am also considering sending a type of "fit note" - happy to share this - that will need to be completed by the attending doctor if seeing one of our employees during the working day. I suppose I am offering GP's an alternative to defaulting to the obligatory sick cert. I have to say HR are very sceptical!!!!!!
Therefore have any of you tried this...How did you word your invitation...What was the response?
Am happy to share my findings if and when the event happens. I just feel that something has to be done.
Many thanks and look forward to your thoughts
Trish
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