Management referrals

Referrals to the Occupational Health department are made if an employee:

• Has frequent periods of short term absence
• Has been absent or is likely to be absent from the workplace due to ill health for 4 weeks or longer
• If there is a management concern regarding the employees health and wellbeing
• If there is a DSE requirement that has not been able to be successfully managed locally with DSE assessors
• To recommend suitable phased return to work if the employee has experienced a work-related injury or medical problem.
• To discuss the need for temporary/permanent adjustments to the workplace or job role due to disability or altered health status.

If you feel that a member of your team should be referred to Occupational Health, the referral and the reasons for this must be discussed with the employee before they are referred so that everyone understands and consent is obtained for the purpose of the referral.

These appointments are an opportunity for the person to discuss health and work-related issues in confidence with an occupational health professional.

The aim of a referral appointment is to provide health information and signposting for the employee along with providing a report to the manager outlining any recommendations for support and adjustment.

The individual has the right to refuse any reports being released following the consultation. However, the individual must be aware that further decisions and actions may have to be made without Occupational Health recommendation and guidance. 

Please ensure all management referrals are accompanied by the employee’s current job description. 2-year attendance record, reason for the referral, specific questions to be answered and any relevant risk assessments.

Once the referral has been sent to Occupational Health, we will offer an appointment at the earliest opportunity. If this is inconvenient the employee can alter the appointment as long as at least 24 hours’ notice are given. If the employee cancels their appointment on the day or does not attend, a report will be sent to the manager outlining this.

The appointment   either face to face or as a telephone consultation and this will be decided by the triage clinician.

In some instances, it may be appropriate to seek additional information from a treating specialist or Consultant. If this is the case, the employee will be asked to complete a consent form to allow OH to seek the report.

The employee may be referred to our onsite physiotherapy service if they have a musculoskeletal condition that requires treatment. The employee will be informed that they can access up to a maximum of 5 sessions with our onsite physiotherapy but this is determined by the treating physiotherapist, if more treatment is required, the employee will be asked to contact their GP for referral.

All employees can self-refer to Occupational Health for confidential advice & support with one of the Occupational Health and Wellbeing team. All appointments are confidential.

Please be aware that following a self-referral appointment, we do not provide a report to your manager. This service is for signposting only.

To submit a self referral please use the button below to provide us with further details.  We will then be in touch to schedule a consultation.