Thanks Frank,
Yeah, I'm taking things slowly and they are changing........You'd have
though I'd shot their best mate when I moved the huge recliner into the rest
room. It took up half my working space and they would come into my office
for a 'rest on it'...lol
Roberta
-----Original Message-----
From: Frank Oakes
Sent: Sunday, February 27, 2011 1:11 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Minor Illness Clinic in OH department
Roberta,
Spent a big chunk of time closing the 'medical room' over the years. Quite a
surprise to find controlled drugs in the work place. It takes time and
patience showing the masses what they will get in place of it. The
legislative stuff has to take presedent as that is why we exist.
If you want to talk about resistance, I was not allowed on site on one role
for a number of weeks as the union threatened strike action. Quite nice for
me as I went to a smaller factory in the group who had already gone through
this change.
They will be fine once they get to understand what you are about.
Cheers
Frank
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Roberta Hanlon
Sent: 27 February 2011 12:57
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Minor Illness Clinic in OH department
I think if minor surgical procedures had been suggested, my predecessor
would have taken these on, but I don't see this as my role.
I took over from the 'factory nurse' last year. The old system referred a
lot to the OHP (off site) including all sickness absence, return to works
etc.... The main focus of her work was 'treatment room' with dressings,
suture removal, medical passes, etc. She was also the main first aider on
site.
A lot of the legislative OH work was not carried out. Hearing tests,
spirometry testing, night workers assessments etc. etc. were only carried
out sporadically, if at all. The machines had never been calibrated and were
years old. The notes were a mess and I certainly wouldn't want to be the one
in court trying to defend them.
There was a lot of resistance when I took over as she really was used
instead of a GP. Unfortunately I have found it very difficult to move away
from this role and still have a medicine cabinet and a well stocked dressing
cupboard which is used fairly regularly. The changes are happening but it's
a slow process. I work alone and am constantly battling the clock as these
'extras' are really time consuming.
Needless to say, this is a private company. It is lovely to work for
(usually) but I do feel sometimes that I'm stuck in a bit o a time warp...
It's just a jump to the left... and then a step to the right...put your
hands on your hips..........Sorry got carried away there (love that
song)...lol
Roberta
-----Original Message-----
From: Frank Oakes
Sent: Sunday, February 27, 2011 10:37 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Minor Illness Clinic in OH department
If you would have asked me this a few years ago then my answer would have
been an absolute no, not up for discussion.
I may have mellowed somewhat in recent years and I am open to the
possibility of us doing more. I don't agree with a lot of what is being
offered but whole heartedly agree that if anyone has any health concern they
can attend OH for if nothing else an opinion of what they should do next, go
to their GP, walk in clinic or A&E (or as my colleagues keep telling me AED
but in my mind this is a gadget you attach poorly patients to) or in some
cases give immediate assistance.
I have been wondering if maybe when we tore out the treatment rooms and gave
birth to the new generation of OH services and whether or not we threw the
baby out with the bath water. Given the current climate, how we constantly
struggle for our existence where in most cases they don't want us but have
to have us could we somehow develop our roles more closely with primary care
and consider developing/ offering additional services. A lot of us do this
now with counselling, EAP's, physiotherapy, rehabilitation programmes etc.,
so could/would/should we go the next step and align more closely with
primary care?
Please note I am only talking about minor treatments such as dressings,
suture removals, etc. that could benefit the employee and employer,
certainly not smears or minor surgical procedures.
An interesting point for debate, professional competency, funding, how we
develop closer liaison with the primary care givers are just a few off a
long list.
Cheers
Frank
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Tuwepo Chiwi
Sent: 27 February 2011 09:36
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [OCC-HEALTH] Minor Illness Clinic in OH department
Dear All,
A new OHD manager in a certain private company has opened a minor illness
clinic, with the aim of reducing the need and incivenience of seeking
unnecessary GP appointments for initial assessment and treatment of minor
illnesses, or a flare up of an existing health problem e.g. asthma. She has
no OH background, but has many years of experience working in general
practice. Some of the problems she offers to treat are ingrown toe nails,
back/neck pain, shingles/cold sores, mastitis, UTI, emergency contraception,
and many more, and even proposed to do Pap smears.
Is this kind of service appropriate for the OHD, which is supposed to be
pro-active rather than reactive? I understand where she comes from as
private companies are more about keeping employees at work and producing
results, but is this what OHD's should be about?
Tuwepo
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