I agree with Alison on this one. In my experience HR normally know about a ‘difficult spouse’ and have in numerous cases I have dealt with have told them to wait in the waiting room. If they do accompany them I have a standard introductory speech which includes me asking them to leave if I feel it is affecting my ability to do an OH assessment, it is said nicely but firmly and I seldom have a problem.
Karen
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Allison Caine
Sent: 19 January 2015 17:54
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Chaperones
There is no reason for the spouse to accompany her husband. This is an employment situation and not a hospital/GP appointment.
There is no right to have a companion unless the individual has special needs or you think their presence may give added valuable information for you to reach an informed decision.
You need to inform HR that, as this is not a discipline matter he does not require accompanying. Most HR I work with would discuss this with the employee directly and refuse the spouses presence without you having to deal with it, as her behaviour is unacceptable.
Kind regards,
Allison Caine
Director OHBM Ltd
Direct Phone/Fax: 01625 268609
Mobile: 07733 125558
Email: [log in to unmask]
Website: www.ohbm.co.ukSent from my iPhone
On 19 Jan 2015, at 17:15, Irene Douse <[log in to unmask]> wrote:Ask her to stay in the waiting area. He may well be happy for you to make that call. If he wants her there tell her that her comments cannot be taken into account. Carry on with your RTW plan and pass this to management. Add that the spouse disagrees and feels that ....... However the person feels that....... it is up to management then. Remind them that the GP fit note is advisory only and subject to Occupational Health Advice.
Irene
From: obianuju ekwueme <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2015 4:41 PM
Subject: [OCC-HEALTH] Chaperones
Dear List,
I have a client whose spouse follows to see me in the clinic.
The employee tells me how he feels and the spouse tries to refute it.
For instance he feels much better and wants to return back to work as a teacher. I could see from my previous consultation that he looks much better having implemented what we discussed. He confirmed to me that he feels much better and wants to return back to work as soon as possible. I was about to initiate a return to work program when the spouse who left her bag in the consulting room to go to toilet, came out of the toilet, came into the clinic heard what we were discussing and said 'no' that the GP have just given him another four weeks sick note. I tried to explain the position of the GP sick note and myself and she wants to argue. I observe that the same thing happened the last time I saw this gentle man
Should I stop his spouse accompanying him to my clinics?
She tends to want to make decisions for this gentleman who is compos mentis and not a child.
Where does chaperones stand in occupational health consultation?
Medical defense organisation states that relations should not act as cheperones
So can an occupational health nurse ask a disruptive relation to leave the consulting room
I tried to check the NMC site for guidance but it referred me to GMC good medical practice explanatory guidance which have not mentioned anything about occupational health.consultation.
I await your contribution. You can answer me off list if it is more convenient. Thanks
Virginia. Ekwueme
Email; [log in to unmask]
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