I’ve got an occ.health appt need advice

[AnyOHpeopleoutthere]

Hello,

nhs worker, rotational post. Long term health disability.

recently changed rotations, new rotation caused a significant worsening in health condition. Self referred to Occ Health.

never had an occ health appt for this before and not sure what to expect? Can anyone advise? I feel like the sensible course of action would be to leave this specific area out of my rotation but is this a reasonable thing to ask? Do I ask? Or do I tell the doctor everything that’s happened and they then suggest it???

The usual order would be that you describe your difficulties and answer their questions. They then identify reasonable adjustments that can be made to support you.

They may be aware of other possibilities you haven't considered.

@user1846385927482658

Do I make suggestions or just Explain that before this rotation I was coping well for the main part with no significant worsening ? And then let them make suggestions? Is it a two way conversation where we work together to come up with RA’s? My feeling is I’ve coped fine on the other rotations, but this one (and only this one) is significantly different in terms of how the job works. So thankfully I can go back to the other rotations and should be fine

(To try to provide some clarity this is a physical worsening of a neurological illness. Not mental health but stress of workload does worsen the condition)

I would treat it as a two-way conversation and I think the details you've posted here would be relevant to share in that conversation.

Providing the context of how you managed in previous rotations and why this one is different sounds like useful and valuable information to help them develop an accurate picture.

Be open and honest with them and they usually ask whether there's anything you think will help- if they don't ask then make sure to offer this info so it's added into their report.

I've seen occupational health numerous times over my 16 years in the NHS and have always found them supportive. I have had multiple operations that have left me with long term health issues and also been on anti-depressant medicaton for 23 years (I'm 41). Just be honest about how you are feeling and make the suggestion about what regarding work would help minimise the impact on your health. They are there to support you and help you continue in your role.

If there's support you need that goes beyond "reasonable adjustments" it might be worth looking at Access to Work. https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work

The appointment will be to discuss your current health difficulties, and what treatment and management is needed.

You should explain what has caused this recent flare up in your long term condition and how this can best be managed eg parts of your job role which are causing your condition to worsen. You can then discuss together what adjustments are needed eg parts of this rotation you can't do/all of this rotation can't be done. Occ Heslth will also want to know you're accessing any necessary treatment which has worked for you before. They'll then write a report recommending reasonable adjustments for your manager. You'll then need to meet with you're manager to discuss this