Occupational Health : Pre-Employment Screening

The role of Occupational Health is to:

  • Address the impact of work on health and health on work.
  • Reduce the incidence of illness and injury at work.
  • Ensure that the tasks are matched to the person’s physical and psychological capabilities.

Pre-appointment health assessment checks are carried out to:

  • Provide specialist confidential advice to the employer and the applicant
  • Ensure that prospective staff are physically and psychologically able to carry out the work proposed
  • Identify individuals who have an underlying health problem which may be exacerbated by their working conditions
  • Ensure, as far as possible, that the individual does not represent a risk to themselves, patients, colleagues and members of the public
  • Take into account the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) and make recommendations regarding any reasonable adjustments or modifications.

Timing of Assessments
All prospective employees will have a pre-appointment health assessment carried out; fairly objectively and in accordance with equal opportunity legislation and good occupational health practice, following:

  • A Job offer prior to taking up post: this will ensure that the process is not contrary to the Disability Discrimination Act (1995)
  • A Job change (where this involves a significant change of duties, tasks or responsibilities)

Key Points that will be considered in the Assessment Process

  • Patient safety is and will always be paramount for NHS employees
  • Risk assessment will be individualised and not based upon diagnosis
  • Decisions will be based on evidence and not prejudice
  • The process will be transparent
  • Applicants will understand how information about them will be used, to whom it will or may be disclosed, and how decisions about them have been made
  • The process requires trust and honesty from all parties

Format of the Assessment
The assessment will include:

  • A completed Health Questionnaire
  • Further enquiry either in the form of a telephone call, letter to the individual, GP report or Occupational Health Nurse or Medical Assessment

Pathway of the Health Questionnaire

  • Health Questionnaire given to successful candidate by HR/Manager
  • Individual Completes the Health Questionnaire and forwards it directly to the Occupational Health Department
  • Health Questionnaire is assessed by and Occupational Health Nurse and HR/Manager are informed of the outcome of this assessment within two working days
  • Any information or screening required for the post will be carried out timely and effectively in accordance with national and local guidelines to the Occupational Health Department
  • A certificate of Fitness will be issued to the employing Manager or HR Department
  • The individual and appointing HR/Manager will be informed of any modifications or further screening needed in employment

< For more information contact the Occupational Health team

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Pre-Employment Screening