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Original poster

Occupational health referral

2 replies

CLR1313 · 17/03/2023 16:22

Hi guys, I’ve been having some poor mental health problems at the moment and have been referred to OH. I had a miscarriage in June last year, but firstly I had booked privately for an abortion. I found out at the appointment that I had miscarried so waited for it to pass. I then went private and had remains removed, and did not consent for this to go on my NHS medical records, as I don’t want a record of it and want the whole thing behind me and no one else to know. Will OH request my GP medical records? What will happen when it’s not shown on there? Do I just tell them I went private and didn’t consent to having it on my records?

OP posts:
takemebacktothe1990s · 19/03/2023 20:51

Hi there,

I work in OH. Firstly, I'm sorry to hear of everything you've been going through.

In terms of your medical records, they can't be accessed without your prior written consent. It's unlikely that OH will need access, and they'll get all of the information they need during your appointment. You don't need to disclose anything that's not relevant to the referral. If you feel that the planned abortion/miscarriage has been a contributing factor, again, you don't need to disclose it. It's sufficient just to say you've been having personal issues.

Thanks n terms of the medical information they'll ask about, it'll likely be current medication for your MH....dose, any recent changes to dose or type of medication. Side effects and whether you feel it's working.
They'll ask if you're under the care of a MH specialist or waiting for a referral. They may ask about alternatives such as breathing exercises, yoga etc.
They'll ask about current symptoms, and also "red flag" safety questions (basically if you're having dark thoughts).
They'll then use that information to make recommendations on how your company can support you, and they'll likely give you advice on what you could try to improve your mental health.

OH are there for your benefit and to make sure your health isn't suffering because of your job. And also to make suggestions on how to improve your health so you can do your job in the way before you became unwell.

If you have any other questions then just ask!

Ilovecoffee22 · 23/06/2023 16:17

takemebacktothe1990s · 19/03/2023 20:51

Hi there,

I work in OH. Firstly, I'm sorry to hear of everything you've been going through.

In terms of your medical records, they can't be accessed without your prior written consent. It's unlikely that OH will need access, and they'll get all of the information they need during your appointment. You don't need to disclose anything that's not relevant to the referral. If you feel that the planned abortion/miscarriage has been a contributing factor, again, you don't need to disclose it. It's sufficient just to say you've been having personal issues.

Thanks n terms of the medical information they'll ask about, it'll likely be current medication for your MH....dose, any recent changes to dose or type of medication. Side effects and whether you feel it's working.
They'll ask if you're under the care of a MH specialist or waiting for a referral. They may ask about alternatives such as breathing exercises, yoga etc.
They'll ask about current symptoms, and also "red flag" safety questions (basically if you're having dark thoughts).
They'll then use that information to make recommendations on how your company can support you, and they'll likely give you advice on what you could try to improve your mental health.

OH are there for your benefit and to make sure your health isn't suffering because of your job. And also to make suggestions on how to improve your health so you can do your job in the way before you became unwell.

If you have any other questions then just ask!

Hi sorry to jump on the post. I saw you work in OH.
I got a letter saying I've had a review medical consultation booked for me. What does that mean? X

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