I agree with Carr. Irrespective of the neurology opinion (unfortunately for her) the police will have their own criteria - and the risk may well outweigh the clinical opinion - although it will be taken into account. In my working environment the issue of security of the establishment outweighs everything else. I have dealt with similar cases to this, and officers have been removed from operational duties because of the risk of (eg) having a seizure and their keys may be taken, prompting the risk of prisoner escape,  or they are assaulted etc. And this is when the clinical evidence indicates that NAD. The problem being that investigation/diagnosis of "seizures" can be notoriously difficult.
 
5 years does seem a bit harsh though, but drivers in this capacity are very high profile, there have been "civillian" deaths when drivers of respeonse vehicles have lost control of the car. I am surprised that she has been manitained on operational duties to be honest.....
 
Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 19:14:50 +0100
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Police Standard Response Driver FITNESS Urgent Assistance
To: [log in to unmask]

Hi 

The other thing to take into account is that the DVLA standards are only one of the criteria taken into account when considering occupational driving fitness. Many employers operate a zero tolerance risk for certain driving duties also. 

Essentially while her Neurologist can advise to a degree on her medical status he has no role in commenting on the risk in relation to occupational driving as he has no understanding of the risk .. hence the role of OH. I find that many medical professionals unfortunately give false hope in such circumstances...... I've known of cases where even when the DVLA re-instated licence the employer was able to justify non driving due to risk. 


A sad situation and maybe the OHA wasn't as harsh as your party "heard" her to be but instead was trying to be honest with her about the limitations that will be in play going forwards? 

Carr

On 10 May 2012 07:04, helen nix <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
 Dear List.
 
I write not only as a professional for advice but also personally as this effects someone very close to me.
The Individual is an active front line Police Officer and has been in the role for 9 years with little sick time and is well respected.
 
 
On the 15th April while on vacation she (Aged 29- no previous history of seizures) had a provoked tonic-clonic seizure lasting 4 minutes EEG/CT/MRI all normal only indicating factor Blood Sodium levels 128 mmols after 1 litre of saline at scene and during transportation; it is believed this was the trigger factor, she is on no medication and has had no repeat event.
 
She has submitted her driving licence to the DVLA and her Supervisor after risk assessment has kept her on operational duties, colleagues are assisting getting her to and from work.
The Report from her Neurological Consultant supports her remaining on full duties and strongly supports the DVLA revoking her current 6 month driving ban
 
Yesterday she saw a force Occupational Health Advisor and as an Occupational Health Advisor myself I had advised her she would be supported!! who proceeded to support her by opening the interview with you will never drive a response vehicle  again for 5 years ...... Stating that Standard Response Drivers  ( not cleared to drive over 100 miles per hour) are classeed as Class 2 licence holders on the DVLA and as such she cannot drive in that role for 5 years after a seizure, the person in questions holds a class to licence to drive a horse box and the DVLA have stated that licence must be surrendered for 12 months no exceptions and  if no repeat event within  12 months the licence with be reinstated there is a chance she may have her car licience back in 2 weeks.
So why is the Police Force OH stating no driving for 5 years
 
Any advice would greatly appreciated
 
Thanks
Helen
Occupational Health Nurse Advisor
Malongo Clinic  Chevron/CABGOC/ISOS
Cabinda, Angola
 
 
Helen Nix
Occupational Health Nurse Advisor
Malongo Clinic  Chevron/CABGOC/ISOS
Cabinda, Angola 

 Individual is an active front line Police Officer and has been in the role for 9 years with little sick time and is well respected.
 
 
On the 15th April while on vacation she (Aged 29- no previous history of seizures) had a provoked tonic-clonic seizure lasting 4 minutes EEG/CT/MRI all normal only indicating factor Blood Sodium levels 128 mmols after 1 litre of saline at scene and during transportation; it is believed this was the trigger factor, she is on no medication and has had no repeat event.
 
 
 

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