Occupational health

[Jacey15]

I've been referred to occupational health by my manager, does anyone have any advice about what to bring up and what to ask please? Thanks, Jane

[Braecoon]

My OH have been wonderful. When I was first diagnosed, the OH doctor and nurse came to my office and carried out a workstation assessment. I am now the proud owner of a customised posturite chair, footrest, penguin mouse, and adjustable desk so that I can stand and type or lower it to desk height to sit. They made recommendations to my management about workload such as one of my roles was very physically demanding teaching nurses how to breakaway from aggressive holds, which with joint and tendon problems was a no go.

Prep for your appointment:

1. Make a list of all your signs and symptoms, I.e., joints, fatigue, any issues with medication side effects, how it has affected you in your day to day activities and how it is impacting you at work (this will help them look for reasonable adjustments to enable you to continue working and ease the pressure - they can look at workload and ways to minimise your stress and fatigue issues, etc)

2. Make List of all your medications, even ones that have been stopped or replaced, and if medication has been increased or decreased. Again a good OH department will be aware of the RA drugs and side effects and the need for time off for blood tests and Rheumy appointments. Let them know if there have been any issues with being allowed to attend apps as this is a reasonable adjustment under the Equality 2010 Act (includes old disability discrimination act).

3. If you are returning from long term sick, they will want to assess what they need to do to make your transition back to work less stressful, such as a phased return, reduced workload or more sedentary roles and any other adjustments that may support you. If you haven't had a workstation assessment, ask them if they would do this.

I hope your meeting goes OK, remember OH's aim is to support you and to look at what reasonable adjustments can help you to stay in work (you are a very valuable asset). RA is a disability under the Equality 2010 Act and your work place are duty bound to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to stay in work. Please do let us know how you get on.

[kathgallagher]

I was referred to my OH department by my manager at the time who unfortunately left not long after. The consultant was absolutely brilliant. He was so easy to talk to and was a great support for the last 7 years I was at work. Be honest and explain exactly what you are expected to do . They are there to help. Good luck

[Mall]

Hi Jane

I can only repeat what the first two replies have said. I had a very positive experience. Ask yourself what do you want from the appt, are you wanting to retire on health grounds or continue working full time or maybe reduce your hours. Would you like areas of your job changed would aids or adaptations help.

I eventually took early retirement on health grounds but prior to that continued working in my job full time for 17 years with RA. My work area was assessed and I was provided with a great office chair, wrists support for my key board and change of phone. If I was not fit to drive but had to travel there was not a problem in organising a driver or alternative transport.

When I had to see a occupationAl health Dr I had to travel some distance as they are quite specialist and thinly scattered geographically, but I do live out in the sticks.

I hope you have the same positive experience , remember it is your employers duty to support you and take into account your health needs at work. If you have a problem or they give you a hard time then have a word with your Union but I honestly don't think you will.

All the best

Marilyn

[Jacey15]

That's great thank you everyone. I've started writing my list of signs and symptoms Braecoon and if they can sort things so I get some help with these I will be pleased. I've been referred because I've had a number of short term absences because of infections and exhaustion. I'm just waiting to hear when the appointment will be but you have all put me more at ease whilst I wait. Thanks, Jane