Should i be worried about being refered to occupational health?

Uncertain

SHIPSHAPE wrote: »

But Occ Health can decide that you should return to work and even overrule your own GP.

Occ Health can argue that they are better positioned to determine what work one is capable of doing rather than a GP who looks at the general picture.

Not exactly!

At the end of the day an OH doctor's professional opinion is just that - an opinion.

He can argue, with some justification, that he should be in a better position to judge the work aspects. On the other hand your GP (and any specialists you have seen) can argue that they are in a much better position to assess your overall health. They will have built up their opinion over a period of time with the benefit of your full medical history and the results of any tests.

Generally if there is a marked difference between the OH doctor's views and those treating the patient it would be sensible for the firm to consider getting a third opinion.

Uncertain

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

yes, they could, but the limited amount of movement I have in my arm makes using the phone and computer painful, and some of the other bits of my job impossible. I feel my consultant and GP are on 'my side', so if Occ Health are too, that would be nice!

I'm also hoping they may be more forthcoming with timescales than anyone else has been so far!

A doctor's first and legal duty is to the patient, not to whoever is paying his salary or consultation fee. In theory at least if it can be shown that he has deviated from this ideal he could be in serious trouble with the GMC.

However, in the real world, it must be difficult to balance this with the desire to keep his employer or client happy!

For this reason I would always assume that the OH doctor is on the employer's side. This probably does the majority a great disservice but at the end of the day you must look after your own interests. I would personally always attend with as much information as possible from your own doctors (who do not have split loyalties) and be willing to give permission for them to be contacted.

SHIPSHAPE

Uncertain wrote: »

Not exactly!

At the end of the day an OH doctor's professional opinion is just that - an opinion.

He can argue, with some justification, that he should be in a better position to judge the work aspects. On the other hand your GP (and any specialists you have seen) can argue that they are in a much better position to assess your overall health. They will have built up their opinion over a period of time with the benefit of your full medical history and the results of any tests.

Generally if there is a marked difference between the OH doctor's views and those treating the patient it would be sensible for the firm to consider getting a third opinion.

I disagree, I'd say a company would be more swayed with their own medics.

I've known several instances where OH have overruled an employee's own GP, especially with long term and/or repeated health problems.

Then there is the cost of a third party consultation, an employer is under no obligation to pay to do so. Are you suggesting an employee on minimum wage fork out the cost of a private consultation to justify a week or so on the sick?

I worked in steelworks where somebody was off with a broken arm and his GP continually signed him off simply because he was aware his role was manual.

However, his employer then ordered him into work as a role was found where the employee had an observational role with no manual handling, he had to sit and inspect the coated steel for faults.

I doubt many GP's, if any, go into the nitty gritty of a persons employment as well as an OH doctor does. Which is why they are employed with that role.

Savvy_Sue

williacg wrote: »

Are they putting any pressure on you to return sooner than your GP has advised?

Not exactly. I have a Fit Note suggesting I don't work in the office but may be able to work from home, which I have done. I have also attended a meeting for a project we need to move forward on, for which I have more expertise than my colleagues. However someone is starting in a new role while I am taking a booked holiday, and there are 'issues' around the work space which affect me and them, so it may be suggested that I go in to sort through my desk. I'm not sure how easy that will be ...

williacg

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

Not exactly. I have a Fit Note suggesting I don't work in the office but may be able to work from home, which I have done. I have also attended a meeting for a project we need to move forward on, for which I have more expertise than my colleagues. However someone is starting in a new role while I am taking a booked holiday, and there are 'issues' around the work space which affect me and them, so it may be suggested that I go in to sort through my desk. I'm not sure how easy that will be ...

It might be worth popping your head around the door, that's if you were feeling up to it, at least that way you would have some say in the new layout of your work space, and you don't find yourself crammed into some corner when you get back.

Savvy_Sue

Actually some of it is me pressurising myself.

I 'ought to' be able to do this, surely by now I 'should be' able to do this. Fact is, I can't.

williacg

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

Actually some of it is me pressurising myself.

I 'ought to' be able to do this, surely by now I 'should be' able to do this. Fact is, I can't.

One of the many symptoms of being a workaholic.

Hope you get well soon.

Uncertain

SHIPSHAPE wrote: »

I disagree, I'd say a company would be more swayed with their own medics.

I've known several instances where OH have overruled an employee's own GP, especially with long term and/or repeated health problems.

Then there is the cost of a third party consultation, an employer is under no obligation to pay to do so. Are you suggesting an employee on minimum wage fork out the cost of a private consultation to justify a week or so on the sick?

I worked in steelworks where somebody was off with a broken arm and his GP continually signed him off simply because he was aware his role was manual.

I think, with respect, you are making the mistake of assuming that what you saw once in your particular field of work is the norm.

It is not for OH to "overrule" anybody. Their function is simply to provide the employer with expert ADVICE.

If the employer has conflicting advice then they either have to seek further opinions (at their expense) or make a decision. If they get the decision wrong then they leave themselves open to both potential employment and personal injury claims.

You go on to say "Are you suggesting an employee on minimum wage fork out the cost of a private consultation to justify a week or so on the sick?"

No, I'm not. Firstly OH would unlikely to be involved if the employee is only off for "a week or so". Secondly, in a controversial case a union may well be involved and, thirdly, many people earn significantly more than the minimum wage - even if you are not able to think any higher!

savingsp

Thanks everyone for your advice so far.

I am still suffering from a lot of depression at the minute due to everything that is happening (information overload) my doctor is in the process of changing my anti-depressants and i am due to see her today. I dont feel mentally strong enough to be back at work yet.. do you think this will make the situation worse or should i force a smile and go back in???

ankspon

Googlewhacker wrote: »

And are you back at work?

.
After numerous attempts at returning to work and redeployment all with the help and advice of occy health i had to medically retire.The help and advice received from occy health was amazing and contributed to me receiving my ill health pension.I found them invaluable.Good luck.