 |
 |
I did one, , last one ever hopefully about 2 years ago. Complex issue where the individual was suspended, had probably been treated not as well as they could have been by management and it was someone with whom I had many dealings in the past. During suspension she presented a sicknote from the GP citing mental health issues. Because of the complexity of the situation the investigating officer (who was getting a bit wobbly about the process) asked for my input (and not to declare her fit for attending meetings etc by the way), this was coupled with her desperate phone calls to me so I was persuaded. With hindsight I went not even sure what I was meant to do, this is a mistake I will not repeat Upshot was my input wasnt really as an OH person, I ended up as some form of mediator between the investigating team, the individual and the unions as I am long in the tooth and well versed on how processes should work, actual clinical input was minimal as all that was needed was someone with the balls to tell people to get their act together and get on with it. Doubtless worked well for the individual ultimately, the investigation rightly concluded in her favour and she returned to work with support. However during my visit I was "ambushed" by her very angry and hostile family who saw me as a "management tool/agent" and let me have it both if not 3 or 4 barrels. I am a tough old bird who can stand my ground, but for many that experience could have been very distressing - I cant pretend that I did not feel very shakey afterwards. Previous to that was one of my favourite OH stories, funny now but not at the time - a home visit about 10 years ago with a lady who said "you`re a nurse arent you? can you have a look at my husband as I dont think he`s well...." and was faced with a stark naked hubby, requisite erection and covered in blood from where he had been doing gawd knows what. The ambulance guys that I called in panic smirked at me, said they did it regularly to unsuspecting visitors, double glazing salesmaen, estate agents etc and carted naked-bloke off with a cynical air......The lady in question had requested a home visit and this was accomodated by her employer, she had actually been at work in the morning and had been given the afternoon off to see the OH lady, there was no justification for it apart from hubby wanting to expose himself I suppose. OH - well its never boring is it? Date: Thu, 17 May 2012 23:55:46 -0400 From: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Home visists To: [log in to unmask] Dear List How interesting -I agree with Sharon. Really cannot see any situation when I would consider a home visit. We use telephone consultations which witht any additional consultants advice should clarify information for HR. If the individual is unable to attend OH then they are unable to attend work so it will be and management decision ultimately. Most of us have high workload and home visits are the role of the GP , district nurse or HR. Jean -----Original Message----- From: Hazel Archer <[log in to unmask]> To: OCC-HEALTH <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Thu, 17 May 2012 15:24 Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Home visists Hi Sharon Based on this I think it depends on the industry you work in. We have shops throughout the North and my geographical area is quite vast. So yes they may be able to get to see their GP but not travel 2-3 hours to see Occupational Health. They also probably know their Human Resources representative and if they have not previously met or talked to me, they are aware of my existence, who I am and what my role is. Whilst I'm not saying it is ideal and it does depend on their co-operation, Occupational Health Adviser's need to what is appropriate and best for the business. Cheers H Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail -----Original Message----- From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Naylor, Sharon [HMPS] Sent: 17 May 2012 15:15 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Home visists An issue discussed at length in the past - I just don't do them. End of. I have my own reasons for this (nasty experience) but really cannot see that they are useful. My thoughts (not necessarily in order of importance) If they can get to the GP for a sick note why cant they get to OH? If they are so poorly that they are house bound and the GP is visiting personally I think an OH visit is an intrusion - better info may be sought and more sensitively by telecon/GP reports etc If I was "sick" there is no way that I would someone who is basically a stranger visiting my home I have images of poorly people struggling around with a Dyson in preparation for the visit............. If they are "stressed" or other mental health issue and cant face the workplace - well I still ask them to come in, its part of a graded exposure - the first time they cross the threshold should not be the day that they return to work. Dissipate some of the anxiety by getting them in early on If you visit someone at home you are in their home, a guest, its a different dynamic They can take ages.....your time may be more productively spent elsewhere Which individual would you take with you? I dare say that the absent person would have to agree and also the fact that medical issues may be discussed Some people meet individuals in a neutral location eg garden centre, however this is still fraught with difficulties, in a public place talking about medical issues, time spent getting there and back etc -----Original Message----- From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Stephanie Foster Sent: 17 May 2012 14:59 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [OCC-HEALTH] Home visists Dear All Previuos OHA's in my role have attended home visits accompanied by personnel if an individual cannot attend site. I personaly have concerns about this due to confidentiality. Plus in some instances it rienforces the "sick role". Where possible I do telephone consultations but sometimes you need to see the white of there eyes if you know what I mean. What does everyone else think and what suggestions do yo have as alternatives. Look forward to your answers. ******************************** Please remove this footer before replying. OCC-HEALTH ARCHIVES: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/occ-health.html CONFERENCES AND STUDY DAYS: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/filearea.cgi?LMGT1=OCC-HEALTH This email was received from the INTERNET and scanned by the Government Secure Intranet anti-virus service supplied by Cable&Wireless Worldwide in partnership with MessageLabs. (CCTM Certificate Number 2009/09/0052.) In case of problems, please call your organisation's IT Helpdesk. Communications via the GSi may be automatically logged, monitored and/or recorded for legal purposes. The original of this email was scanned for viruses by the Government Secure Intranet virus scanning service supplied by Cable&Wireless Worldwide in partnership with MessageLabs. (CCTM Certificate Number 2009/09/0052.) On leaving the GSi this email was certified virus free. Communications via the GSi may be automatically logged, monitored and/or recorded for legal purposes. ******************************** Please remove this footer before replying. OCC-HEALTH ARCHIVES: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/occ-health.html CONFERENCES AND STUDY DAYS: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/filearea.cgi?LMGT1=OCC-HEALTH ______________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the Symantec Email Security.cloud service. For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com ______________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Please visit our website www.greggs.co.uk Greggs plc is a public limited company, registered in England and Wales, registered number 502851, registered office Fernwood House, Clayton Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1TL. Confidentiality: This email and its attachments are intended for the above named only and may be confidential. If they have come to you in error you must take no action based on them, nor must you copy or show them to anyone; please reply to this email and highlight the error. Security Warning: Please note that this email has been created in the knowledge that Internet email is not a 100% secure communications medium. We advise that you understand and accept this lack of security when emailing us. Viruses: Although we have taken steps to ensure that this email and attachments are free from any virus, we advise that in keeping with good computing practice the recipient should ensure they are actually virus free. Visit our website at: Http://www.greggs.co.uk This e-mail has been scanned for all viruses by Star. The service is powered by MessageLabs. For more information on a proactive anti-virus service working around the clock, around the globe, visit: http://www.star.net.uk ________________________________________________________________________ ******************************** Please remove this footer before replying. OCC-HEALTH ARCHIVES: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/occ-health.html CONFERENCES AND STUDY DAYS: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/filearea.cgi?LMGT1=OCC-HEALTH ******************************** Please remove this footer before replying. OCC-HEALTH ARCHIVES: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/occ-health.html CONFERENCES AND STUDY DAYS: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/filearea.cgi?LMGT1=OCC-HEALTH ******************************** Please remove this footer before replying. OCC-HEALTH ARCHIVES: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/occ-health.html CONFERENCES AND STUDY DAYS: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/filearea.cgi?LMGT1=OCC-HEALTH