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-----Original Message-----
From: Frank Oakes <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2007 08:48:20
To:[log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Self harming in the workplace
Nurse Stephenson,
I am tentatively waiting to read what reasonable adjustments you would
consider in a case such as this. Remove all sharp implements from the
building, have airport type security to frisk everyone as they enter the
building, keep her on 1:1. I hope I have not shocked you Nita with a real
psychiatric nurse term, it took me an additional 2 or so years study to
learn this after becoming a 'real nurse'.
If I blow off the cobwebs the memories tell me that unless the company want
to support her on a long term basis, which undoubtedly will continue to
upset her colleagues who themselves may suffer psychologically who you seem
to have forgotten about, then they may have little choice. How many people
read about this and the first thought was to 'get rid of her' after 3 days?
I have had some success in the workplace supporting employee's with mental
illness and keeping them away from the companies dismissal procedures by
developing a better understanding of mental health and how with support they
can continue to function in the workplace, you never know when I may need it
being the uncaring person that I am. I have also had as many, if not more
failures but it won't stop me trying.
Unfortunately in OH there are too many OHA's operating as 'real nurses' and
not operating in the real world as Specialist Practitioners and please
everyone, if you want to debate this statement start a new thread on the
forum. It is difficult and sometimes the line of the employers
responsibility is very fine, but there has to be a line, as there is for us
also.
....A Nurse (who's really a Specialist Practitioner at heart!!)
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Nita stephenson
Sent: 05 August 2007 22:44
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Self harming in the workplace
Cor Frank you really do have a big heart mate!
Whilst I agree with the principle of your argument...I doubt it'd look good
when her suicide's published in the local rag!! lets make some reasonable
adjustments eh....then if all else fails...a guilt free sacking may ensue!
....An OH Advisor (who's really a nurse at heart!!)
>From: tess davidson <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Occupational Health mailing list <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Self harming in the workplace
>Date: Thu, 2 Aug 2007 23:04:14 +0100
>
>This is really quite disturbing. I'm left wondering how she got the
>job - and as it is in reception, what is she telling the customers?
>While I sympathise with what must be an unhappy situation for all
>concerned, this girl seems to be craving the attention of whoever will
>listen to her tale of woe. I think for her to share so much personal
>information so early into a new position is clearly innapropriate and
>should be pointed out to her without delay.
> I do not believe that out of 20 people there is no one who can
>address this unfortunate situation.
>
> Tess
>
>Frank Oakes <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> If the business is so concerned they need to consider whether or
>not her behaviour is acceptable in the workplace and whether or not
>they need to suspend her pending further information being Obtained.
>Surely the policies cover inappropriate/ acceptable behaviour? Also
>this may seem a bit mercenary but if she has only been there 3 days and
>turned the place upside down in such a short time with her behaviour
>maybe consideration should be given to terminating her employment.
>This is not going to go away overnight and has obviously been there for
>some time. One more point to finish, did she declare any history on her
pre-employment questionnaire?
>
> Frank
>
>
>
>
>---------------------------------
> From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
>On Behalf Of Ellie Paige
>Sent: 02 August 2007 21:12
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Self harming in the workplace
>
>
>
> Thanks Glenn and everyone who has responded. Whilst I agree that it
>is innappropriate behaviour in the workplace I had not thought along
>the lines that her bahaviour is her coping strategy. However I have
>grave concerns about her safety in that she is working alone on
>reception with access to articles that can be utilised for self harm
>and therefore does the company have a responsibility to protect her from
her own urges, so to speak.
> We have considered allowing her to rotate duties throughout the day
>to allow her to work in company, but due to her disclosures no-one is
>willing to work alongside her as the things she discloses causes them
>so much upset, which she appears totally oblivious to. A management issue I
know.
> From an OH perspective is it better to acknowledge her underlying
>illness, the company after all are already aware of this, identify
>trigger factors and suggest possible harm minimisation strategies, such
>as not working alone etc and then pass back to HR to manage?
> Shakira
>
>
>
>
>
> ========================================
>Message Received: Aug 02 2007, 06:39 PM
>From: "Glenn Raybone"
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Cc:
>Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Self harming in the workplace
>
> Hello
>
> this is similar to a case I have had recently, and initially my
>thoughts were similar in that I felt we needed to "do" something. I was
>especially concerned when they asked if I had any bandages they could have.
>
> However, my knowledge of MH is limited and when I discussed this
>case with my colleagues in self-harm they had a different view. The act
>of cutting is actually seen as positive in that they use it as a form
>of management or coping, and the fact that they are not hiding it away
>is good. I guess the view is that those to be concerned about are the
"quiet"
>ones. As I say my MH knowledge is limited.
>
> If this lady does not wish to seek help or go to her GP then that is
>fine. If the act is upsetting other staff then surely this is something
>the manager/HR needs to address. They may try and pass this to OH but
>ultimately I don't think there's anything more you can or should do.
>
> I assume she's an adult and as such is responsible and accountable
>for her own body and actions.
>
> Regards
>
> Glenn
>
>
>
>
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