Occupational Health referral from employers?

[Widget]

I have asked my employers if I could have a referral to our Occupational Health team believing that as I work for a large local council we would have our own team, this is not the case and I have been referred to a surgery that they have dealings with. Can anyone advise me on what I can expect in my first meeting with them?

The last time I was referred to occupational health was via my rheumatologist and the first couple of appointments were great but then she started to upset me and I stopped going so I am wary of this appointment now.

[Hidden]

As you asked for the referral, in theory the ball is in your court?

I have an very nice occuaptional , heath nurse, it's the employer that is often the problem.. lack of understanding of the condition.

Take some NRAS leaflts with you.. are the hours suitable?? is the working environment suitable.. do you need any changes to hours.. working environment. work station etc?

I only work part time now as fatigue. pain and concentration can be big issues.. the loss of income is a big problem though.. was given a suitable .. work station chair ..which now due to "confusion" in the mind of my line managers and colleagues I have to share!!.

Wishing you luck.. occupational health is meant to support the employee.

[Widget in reply to Hidden]

Thanks both for your replies. The problem is I don't know what help I need at work, thought that someone would visit me at my two work locations and access what I do etc. I'm not happy in my work either, absolutely hate going in every day and would rather not be there, but have no choice and I'm sure this worry etc about work makes the RA worse. As soon as I get to the weekend everything eases off but when sunday evening comes round it all starts again

[77MoJo]

HI widget, I had an oocupational health appointment last week. I was nervous as my employer are trying to get rid of me, ive been treated terrible since i went back to work after being diagnosed. The nurse that i saw did me a brilliant report which was basically telling them that they have failed their duty of care towards me, and also they need to count RA as disability leave and not include into the sickness leave, as they are trying to get rid of me on sickness grounds, just tell the nurse exactly what you want and how you are at work. they will suggest any changes that may be needed to your workplace and advise if access to work can help too. hope this helps.x.

[Widget in reply to 77MoJo]

Thanks both for your replies. The problem is I don't know what help I need at work, thought that someone would visit me at my two work locations and access what I do etc. I'm not happy in my work either, absolutely hate going in every day and would rather not be there, but have no choice and I'm sure this worry etc about work makes the RA worse. As soon as I get to the weekend everything eases off but when sunday evening comes round it all starts again

[kathgallagher]

i WAS REFERED TO oCCUPATIONAL hEALTH AS THEY KEPT GIVING ME LONG STRETCHES AT WORK I.E 10 DAYS IN A ROW - WORK AS mIDWIFE. iT WAS THE BEST THING EVER HAPPENED. THE CONSULTANT IS AN ABSOLOUTE STAR AND IS TOTALLY ON THE SIDE OF THE STAFF. WHY NOT MAKE A LIST OF QUESTIONA. HOPE YOURS IS AS GOOD AS MINE

[Hidden]

hi..I see wiltshire ..made the news.. they are trying to make you work long stretches.. which isnt safe or legal.. with or without RA because they dont hav enough skilled midwifes. though that is thier problem..!! and shouldnt take it out on you..get occupational health/ union to remind them you have a disabiltiy!!