Occupational health.

[Aubergine]

Me again! Sorry for all of the threads at the moment. :)


What are your experiences of being referred to occupational health? It would be private as opposed to NHS or government as, though I kind of work in the NHS, I also kind of do not.


A referral has been offered before, but it wasn't made compulsory and I turned it down. I'm thinking it might be helpful though. I have quite a bad absence record because of my mental health and I'd really like to change that. I am good at my job when I'm there, but I do actually need to be there!


My manager is amazing, but I'm wondering if there's anything else that could be put in place to help me keep up with my responsibilities. I have schizoaffective disorder, depressive type. I experience issues with low mood, hearing things and difficult/scary thoughts.


Has anyone else who experiences similar things had anything helpful from occupational health? Any experience welcome!

[random.swirls]

I've seen occupational health (NHS) and they've always been lovely.

[Aubergine]

Do you mind me asking what kind of things they said/did, Cam?

[Aardbei]

When I first got my job in the hospital I was referred to OH as I disclosed my mental health problems on my job application. It was a quick meeting to talk about what I felt might be helpful to prevent the job impacting my mental health too much. We decided I wouldn't be put on night shifts due to the trouble I had with fatigue/insomnia. She asked me if I felt able to do the job and reminded me I could ask for more help if I needed.

I expect for you it will be a similar sort of chat where they might talk about ways to manage the stress of it a bit better - longer breaks or slightly different hours. They'll be there to help so try not to worry about it :)

[Ballerina123]

I've seen occupational health quite a few times (NHS ) and found them bey helpful.
I was once seeing them on a regular basis for support and they can put things in place for you regarding work.
One thing they put in place for me was no night shift so I could take my meds regularly.
Hope you have a positive experience with them x

[tiptoes]

I saw occupational health for one of my jobs (not NHS). They asked me a bit about how I was affected on a day to day basis; how was my sleep etc. It was a bit like the first time meeting with any health care professional to be honest. At the time I was managing ok so we didn't really discuss much on reasonable adjustments etc.

I saw them at a later date following a physical illness and they were very good at advocating for me with the specialist and got my appointment with a consultant brought forward by 6 weeks!

[random.swirls]

The first time I saw them was once I was discharged from hospital we spoke and agreed my return to work.

I saw them recently as I had had issues and they are helping me get back into services as I am unable to go through the normal route due to work.

I haven't had reasonable adjustments as there aren't any I need but they have been lovely when I have seen them.

[Epicene]

I've been seen by occupational health and HR within the NHS and can only say good things about my encounters. They genuinely just want to do their best to help you get on well at work. If you have any further questions feel free to ask.