Do I tell Occy health it all?

[EmmaBridgewaterr]

I have stage 4 cancer but it’s very stable. I start a new job soon (nhs) and I’ve got an appointment with occy health to discuss my disability (cancer) thing is, I also have bi polar type 1 which is also very well managed. Do I disclose that too?

Im really reticent about disclosing my mental health condition because my previous manager was an absolute nightmare, once during a return to work meeting she asked if she was safe as in ‘oh I know you’ve got bipolar, am I safe to be in this room with you with the door closed ? Don’t want you to go psycho on me’.. She also emailed and called my GP to ask if I was lying about being signed off for cancer treatment.

Im actually really worried about disclosing it

Wow that's shocking behaviour. I'm really sorry to hear you have cancer. You've been dealt a very difficult hand.

I only have experience outside the NHS. Occupational health at my work know I was hospitalised for my MH but that I've also been in recovery for over 10 years. I told them to cover me in case the worst happened and I relapsed. Occupational health where I work is done by a 3rd party and they shared the report with me that just said I have a long term health condition but it is well managed and requires no adjustments. My manager has no other information.

However, I only ever hear horror stories about the NHS and I don't think I'd trust an internal department to keep it confidential..

I would disclose your past medical history. It makes it easier for you to get support and reasonable adjustments if needed. I'd also consider asking OH for advice on how to manage discriminatory responses about your health, using the example you shared above, hopefully you won't need this advice, good luck in your new job

Yes you do need to disclose everything when you start a new role or during onboarding. If they find out at a later date that you weren’t truthful it could affect your continued employment or the support you receive.
However you have the right to see the report before it’s sent and request amendments if you don’t agree with their views. If your conditions are well managed they should say this.
If you receive a similar response from management I’d be straight to HR quoting DDA and raising a grievance. I’m sorry that happened to you, your previous manager shouldn’t be anywhere near a line management role.

I’m NHS and my occ health assessment was done by an external company. They sent me the report in advance and I could consent ( or not) for it to be forwarded to my manager and to see if I agreed with their recommendations for adjustments. It wasn’t overly intrusive at all.

Im so sorry you had that experience with your previous manager - that’s disgusting behaviour and deserves a formal complaint .

Yes, you need to raise it. My sister unfortunately became ill with cancer within her first year of employment with the NHS and a few months into treatment they've dismissed her. She's now having to look at unfair dismissal on grounds of discrimination. So if you don't tell them and it becomes an issue later on then you wouldn't get any support. Whereas if it's documented then it would be discrimination