Optima health?

[flowerpot258]

I've applied for a new job and as I am on anti depressants (have been for the past 3 years) I was referred to optima health.

Due to me being on anti depressants they requested a GP report from my doctor. I requested to see the report before it was sent over and it basically just said I'm fine, I do take meds, have done for a afew years, I don't see any professionals for the issue (like a physiologist or mental health team) the health condition is managed locally and they don't see why I'd have any issue taking up post with the new employer.

I've now just received another call from optima health who have arranged an appointment with one of their doctors?? Does anyone know what this might be about? They've already received my go report so I was surprised that they'd want to refer me to one of they're own doctors. Just feels like I'm being penalised and scrutinised for taking medication. I'm really hoping this doesn't stop me passing my pre employment checks for the new job

Anyone else dealt with optima?

Anyone ?

No one?

It's usually about reasonable adjustments, I wouldn't worry about it. You're not being penalised it's a standard process if someone has health issues

Yes it will be to check whether you need any reasonable adjustments so that the new company can make sure they meet their legal obligations. Nothing to worry about and it won't have any effect on the job offer (well legally it should not)

If they're using Occ Health then they obviously take their obligations seriously

Optima are useless and will put whatever you tell them to in their report, so just say what you've said here is well managed , you take your meds regularly etc
They said a member of my staff was fit to work extended hours 11 a day despite ongoing health issues because she said she was, 3 days later she went off LTS for 8 months. Thing is we would've paid her full salary even with 8 hour days so it's not like they were doing her a favour.

Ah okay. Thanks for your replies! I just thought with having the GP report that would be enough, I wasn't expecting another call with an optima doctor or anything.

It’s only a phone call? No way, I wouldn’t worry about that at all. At all.

tell the honest truth and you will be fine.

I have worked in reasonable adjustments

@Dogsarebetterthanhumans - Yes as far as I know it will be a phone call, I don't know if they will arrange an appointment in person for a later date but the one I've been given just now is for a phone call.

Don't worry about it at all OP. They will go through the GP report with you, ask a few questions about any triggers, how you recognise if you're getting worse etc,
As you have a long term condition they'll check out if you need any reasonable adjustment.
Then they'll rubber stamp it and you'll be good to go.

Is anyone aware of what would happen if I had attempted suicide in the past 2 years but I am on medication now and I’m handling it well. Will this affect me getting my job ?

@Ez1 Occupational health will want a report from your GP.
They will give you an appointment and they'll discuss your current health with you. They want to know how stable your MH is now, what medication and treatment you've had and any ongoing support you have. They'll want to check your health is now good enough to be at work and this is not a recurring condition. They will also consider if you need any reasonable adjustments in the workplace.

If your mental health is stable now, for the vast majority of jobs it will be fine. Good luck

Thank you for your help, fingers crossed !