I think we all can expect to be treated with common decency, irrespective of what discipiline we happen to be from. Date: Thu, 3 May 2012 21:17:27 +0100
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Refusing to See Someone
To: [log in to unmask]
In my opinion there is a difference between seeing an OHA and seeing many other health professionals in that we are not there to treat their symptoms/make them better (though we often do assist in this way) but to advise them and management on their fitness for work. Therefore we can't always expect to be treated the same way as a GP or a&e nurse because we are not 'helping them'. That by no means excuses his e-mails which sound abusive and bordering on threatening. If you are seeing him to support his recovery only then I think you can follow the A&E nurse stance and you can refuse to see him. If however management are looking for advice (that he may be expecting and not like) then
again you can refuse to see him. However I think I would probably see him with clear boundaries that make you feel safe and only with management support regarding appropriate conduct (agreed with him before consultation). Until you are in the same situation though you never know how you will respond. RegardsKate
From: sharon naylor
<[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Thursday, 3 May 2012, 8:50
Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Refusing to See Someone
I have had thoughts along these lines, but have decided to ignore them to be honest. Maybe not exceptionally professional but honest. I can cope with rows, being griped at etc but this was blatent rudeness from someone I have bever met and didnt even know the query was about him. He gets 6 months on full pay if sick, he has never been off in over 20 years of service, I was polite to the extreme when replying to the initial query - and also pointed out thatt this was a management/HR issue .
In a previous life I may have sat down with him and explored his feelings of hostility, maybe even done a stress RA and referred him for CBT or something similar. However - no apology no appointment in this case, enough is enough. I am aware that rudeness/aggression is not tolerated within the NHS eg A&E depts, my own GP has a notice up saying "if you are rude to staff you wont get seen". Not sure why it should be any different
in OH........
Date: Thu, 3 May 2012 08:41:40 +0100
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Refusing to See Someone
To: [log in to unmask]
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.OgdenLead Occupational Health Specialist PractitionerOccupational Health ServiceAppleton Building Room A202Bradford CollegeTumbling Hill StreetBradford BD7 1DBTel: 01274 433259Work Mobile: 07867782411 From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of sharon naylor
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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