Hi Sharon
Have to say I agree with Rita on this one.
Thanks, Julia
From:
[log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Rita Ogden
Sent: 03 May 2012 08:42
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Refusing
to See Someone
Hi Sharon,
I thought I would
play devil’s advocate here. While the individual had absolutely no right
to be rude to you, he may have been in pain or worried about the effect his
surgery may have and whether it would go well or (as happened) there would be
complications. There may have been financial concerns? I have come across some
disgruntled clients who think I am a she-devil for not pandering to their cause
but I have still carried out assessments on them as I see this as part of my
role. I work on the principle that I am not here to win a popularity contest
and I often have to grit my teeth and pray that my professionalism will
overcome my personal thoughts on these individuals!
Would there be an
incurred cost if he was referred outside the organisation? This may be a
concern.
I suspect that, as
Janet stated, he may well eat “humble pie”. If not, you have the
opportunity to tell him how inappropriate his behaviour was and take it from
there.
Rita E.Ogden
Lead Occupational
Health Specialist Practitioner
Occupational Health
Service
Tel: 01274 433259
Work
From:
[log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Sent: 02 May 2012 19:13
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Refusing to See Someone
Would be ineterested in viewpoints re the following
scenario:
I was asked a hypothetical situation about someone who wanted to take leave to
account for absence following a routine op rather than take sickness absence.
Doubtless fuelled by a robust management approach to absence at the mo, however
the person concerned had a good absence hsitory so theoretically shouldnt have
had concerns, works in a physically demanding role and anticipated that 2 weeks
leave following an arthroscopy with possible further interevention while in the
knee was ample time for recovery and a return to full duties. I replied by
saying I didnt think it was a good idea from a clinical perspective, gave
reasons why but that ultmately it was a management decision re whether to allow
it. Please note that at this point it was no names, no pack drill, i was given
a scenario to comment on.
Cue a rather stroppy email from the gent in question (who incidentally I have
never met) copied into all and sundry. I again explained the reasons why I
had offered the advice, and that it was on the request of his manager. Cue
an even more stroppy email, with further copyings ins telling me (eg)
that I needed to "sort myself out" and that the unions "would be
on my back" if I continued giving "stupid" advice, that he would
be "taking this further" and calling me a variety of insults. I
responded tactfully - and further stated that if he required further OH input
his manager might like to refer him elsewhere as i wouldnt be seeing him. As
anticipated - the op didnt go as planned, he has now been off 6 weeks and this
has prompted a referral to OH.
I am quite happy sticking to my guns and feel I am justified in not seeing him,
I dont see why I should be expected to see someone who had been so rude and
offensive - however, I have no policy/procedure to back up my decision. His
managers are concerned about his case, and are insisting that he is seen. So
far my answer is still "Not a chance"............comments?
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