Service Summary

Occupational Health aims to address the impact of health on work and work on health.

The department provides a range of services to Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.  Details of these including a brief description are included in this website.

The department provides services to approximately 11,800 people in the Bradford Health Economy both in the NHS and private sectors, including:-

• Bradford District Care Trust
• Bradford University – School of Health
• Several small and medium enterprises

Services We Provide

Pre-Employment Screening

This is a risk assessment of the person’s current health status and the risks associated in the proposed post.  Sometimes reasonable adjustments are required.  This is designed to protect the individual concerned, their patients and colleagues. 

Immunisations

Theses are provided for Hepatitis B, Polio, Tetanus, MMR, BCG for TB and Influenza in accordance with the Trust Policy on immunisation.  Further information can be obtained from the OH department.

Vocational Rehabilitation/Phased Return to Work

Following a period of long-term sickness absence an individual assessment may indicate the need for a planned phased return to work in association with a Rehabilitation Plan.  This is tailored for each individual based on assessment of health status and risks in the job role.  This is done at tri-partite meeting with an individual, their line manager or Personnel and an Occupational Health Nurse Advisor.  The programme will usually last for 1 month but sometimes is less, and will be closely monitored by the Manager and Occupational Health Nurse Advisor.

Advice on Reasonable Adjustments

This can be obtained from the Occupational Health Physician or Nurse Advisor.  If this is addressed early enough it can be a pro-active way of preventing ill-health at work.

Health Surveillance

This is conducted in accordance with COSHH (2002).  Currently for staff exposed to Latex, nu-Cidex and Cidex OPA and Rosin Flux.  It is initially a questionnaire followed by telephone interviews or appointment for an assessment with a Nurse Advisor/Physician as necessary.  The purpose of health surveillance is to detect any changes in health that may indicate the presence of occupational disease.  Preventative measures such as wearing Personal Protective Equipment correctly and ensuring it is fit for purpose and properly maintained and other measures for example adequate Local Exhaust ventilation are just as important.

Investigation of Suspected Work Related Illness

Following referral a Nurse Advisor or Occupational Health Physician will assess the individual and the workplace and send a report containing advice on prognosis /suggested action to be taken to the person who made the referral.  This is usually the Line Manager but staff can self refer.

Medical Advice and Prognosis on Health Issues at Work

The Occupational Health Physician will assess individuals following referral.  Sometimes the individual may be referred to their GP for referral to a Specialist.  The OHP will provide written advice to the referring person – usually the Line Manager.  The OHP will also provide support for staff who need to retire on ill-health grounds.

Statutory Medical Examinations

Our Occupational Health Physicians HSE appointed for …. …. Of Lead at Work Regulations and Ionizing Radiation Medicals.  A comprehensive service is provided for customers who come under these regulations.

Contamination Injury Advice and Prophylaxis

Referral to Counselling and Physiotherapy

Staff can self refer to these services or after discussion with an Occupational Health Advisor they may be referred if appropriate.

In addition to this Occupational Health will provide advice to Managers and staff on all issues relating to health in the workplace, Occupational Health Legislation and Government guidelines.

In developing the provision of a comprehensive Occupational Health Service within Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust we work closely with other services.  These are: Counselling, Physiotherapy, Health and Safety, Ergonomics, Risk Management, Infection Control and Personnel.