Anne,

 

I don't think you have been controversial. When I replied to this threas I was really thinking the same (though said it much less convincingly) and that is why I ensure the client is aware of what I am doing and is in agreement (though maybe I will get written consent in future). Most lay people would not assume that we would write to a GP just because their fit note has the GP address on it which they have sent to HR or their line manager.

 

Kate

From: "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Thursday, 29 November 2012, 1:13
Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] writing to a GP

I am possibly going to be  controversial here.

I have read the responses by others who have already responded.  However, I would NOT advocating writing to the GP without first gaining the employee's consent to do so, even though you may not be breaching any confidences. It is still “good manners” to gain agreement with the client. I would ask myself the question - "How would I feel if an OHN from an organisation I worked for contacted my GP without my consent?" Frankly, I would be very dissatisfied, no matter how good the OHAs intentions may have been. Although  OH practitioners know we act as impartial advisers that is not necessarily well understood by our clients.

 Liaison with the client's GP is unlikely to be  “a case of life and death” and therefore there should be ample time to gain the agreement of the employee prior to contacting any medical practitioner responsible for their care. If the reason for contacting the GP, and the subsequent benefit to the employee were explained a reasonable employee would have no problem with such a course of action. I have never had such a request turned down by a client, but there is always a first time. If you did not seek their agreement before such contact then you could lose their trust which benefits none of the parties involved.

Anne
Anne Harriss
Course Director
London South Bank University


On 28/11/2012 13:33, "Lindsey Hall" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Hi Elizabeth
>
> I am going to make some assumptions that the person in question has been
> referred to you - and consented to this - and that you have provided a report
> back to the employer that provides advice on the return to work programme,
> which the employee is not engaging with.  If this is the case, I don't think
> there is a problem in sending the GP a copy of your report without employee
> consent a) if you are not asking for any information in return and b) if you
> let the employee know what you are doing.  
>
> It could be argued that non engagement with a return to work programme is a
> managerial issue and therefore a letter to the GP would be better coming from
> management/HR. However, the GP may respond better to an independent health
> professional so it's probably better coming from you.
>
> If the employee has not been properly referred to you and you have given your
> advice more informally than formally then you may be getting drawn into
> HR/Managments bidding and ought to see the employee first.
>
> Thanks
>
> Lindsey
>  
>
>
> Lindsey Hall
> Director and Independent Occupational Health Adviser
> Split Dimension Ltd
> Phone: 01454 852715
> Fax: 01454 740045
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> -----Original Message-----
> From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
> Of Elizabeth Baldock
> Sent: 28 November 2012 11:06
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: [OCC-HEALTH] writing to a GP
>
> Can anyone on Jisc point me in the direction of information pertaining to
> writing to a GP with information only without employee consent.
> e.g. a long term employee has been assessed as fit to return to work with a
> structured and phased return to work plan.
>
>  The employee has not engaged with this and has told the company he will see
> his GP as he is under their care and let the company know.
>
> i have been asked to write to the GP detailing the planned phased return to
> work, hours duties etc. i am not asking for any information back.
>
> Question is do I need emplyee consent to do this. The RCN were unclear and
> they have referred it to their OH specialist advisors but I wonder what list
> members think as I value the level of expertise of the members
>
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