Pre employment checks (specifically occ health)

[Whitnik]

Hi everyone,

I was offered a role today with the nhs that I'm extremely excited to start this is such a good move for me. They still need to do the pre employment checks and I'm a bit worried about the occupational health one. I've suffered with depression for a long time now. I'm fully medicated and 90% of the time doing good. I'm currently signed off my role at my current workplace as they changed my entire job and it triggered a period of depression as the role itself is very isolating to me.

This nhs role is not only something I've always wanted to do but it would be beneficial to my health. I'm interacting with people daily. My shifts are compacted so I have 3-4 days off a week if I am having a bad day I'm not stuck with 5 on 2 off as most office jobs are. And I'm on my feet constantly not behind a screen.

Would this all be taken into consideration when being reviewed? I've had a report back from my current workplace occ health stating that my depression isn't the problem, that it's the role triggering it.

I am fit to work. I'm just scared they won't see that.

Thanks in advance

I very much doubt it will be a problem.

I went for a role in the NHS and their Occ Health screened me too (standard practice for every new employee) whilst I had depression. All they said was to take my GPs advice and speak to my manager if I was having any problems.

Good luck OP

I work in HR in the public sector, tbh I don't think you'll have a problem. They may want Occ Health to speak to you directly to explore it further. If you explain it's under control etc they'll feed that back.

I had to be screened by occ health and the force medical officer when I was given an admin job in the police. The report they made was a bit ambiguous, but I've been there nearly 10yrs now, so I wouldn't worry yourself unnecessarily.
Good luck OP!

Thank you everyone that's put me at so much ease 😊

Just a word of warning - if you're currently signed off this may not indicate to them hat you are currently stable. I was rejected from an NHS role I was offered due to mental health problems brought to light at HR, despite having returned from being signed off for about a month.

I hope it all goes well for you though!!! Just don't want you to be unprepared that it may be a bit of a battle. I didn't stand up for myself at all and really wish I had done.

No, thank you I appreciate you sharing your experience 😊I feel as though I would be able to stand up for my situation currently. My gp could also clarify my situation if needed so hopefully all goes well.