All students on these programmes must have occupational health clearance before commencing their placements. This will involve an Occupational Health assessment with an Occupational Health Practitioner and could involve injections and obtaining blood samples.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact your tutor or a member of the Occupational Health team.
How to book your appointment
Admissions will send you a link with the online occupational health questionnaire please make sure that you complete this as soon as possible. Once we receive the questionnaire Occcupational Health will make sure to book the appointment before your placement date.
It is important that you complete the questionnaire as soon as possible as any delay might impact your placement. The link to complete the questionnaire will be sent to you from the admission team and if you have any issue do not hesitate to contact us via email.
What is a New Starter Screening appointment?
After the applicant completes the Health Questionnaire, which is sent by Admissions, the next step in supporting their well-being is the New Starter Screening appointment. This appointment is a key part of their journey, ensuring their health needs are addressed from the start. Please provide your GP vaccination record either by mail or at your appointment.
During the New Starter Screening appointment, our dedicated team of healthcare professionals conducts a comprehensive assessment tailored to the specific requirements of new starters. This assessment covers a range of health indicators, including but not limited to, medical history review, vital signs assessment, and potentially, specific screenings depending on individual risk factors and program requirements.
Our goal during this appointment is twofold: to identify any existing health concerns or potential risk factors that may impact the student's academic journey or overall well-being, and to provide personalised guidance and support to address these concerns effectively.
By proactively addressing health needs at the onset of their journey, we aim to promote a positive and healthy learning environment for all students. Our commitment to their well-being extends beyond just this appointment; it forms the foundation of our ongoing support and care throughout their academic experience.
The New Starter Screening appointment last about 40-60 minutes and depending on the programme and medical history might involve vaccination or blood test. For this, it is important that the student attending the appointment drinks plenty of fluid and something to eat.
If you have difficulties with blood test or needles let the admin team know during the booking so that more time can be allocated for your appointment.
Non-attendance without prior notice will result in notification to the student's tutor and will be deemed as non-compliance, potentially affecting placement attendance.
Students enrolled in Health, Medicine, Life Science, and Art Therapy programs are required to be up to date with the vaccinations outlined below.
Covid-19 & Flu
Covid-19 immunisations - Although our practice partners do not mandate vaccinating to healthcare staff they do strongly advise staff to have their COVID boosters - we would therefore advise you to have your COVID booster to help protect you and your patients.
Flu immunisations – you are advised to have a flu immunisation when available to protect you and your patients.
This applies to all related programmes.
Immunisation requirements
Hepatitis B Immunisations
All Healthcare students including MBBS are strongly recommended to commence a course of three Hepatitis B immunisations. You may wish to have this administered prior to commencing your course and provide the OH team with your evidence. Your GP/Dr may require payment for this. We do not reimburse students for this as the course of vaccination will be administered by UH Occupational Health if you are unable to get it done. In all cases a blood test will be done by the OH team after the course of vaccinations to confirm your immunity.
MMR Immunisations
All Healthcare students are asked to provide evidence of having received two doses of the MMR vaccine. All students who are unable to provide such evidence will have the course of vaccination administered by UH Occupational Health.
Varicella (Chickenpox / Shingles)
All Healthcare students who have either not had or are unsure if they have had Chickenpox are required to have a VZV antibody blood test to determine their immunity. All students found not to be immune will be offered vaccination.
Tuberculosis (TB)
All students will have an assessment (TB scar check and / or blood test) of their TB status and offered appropriate vaccination, advice and/or referral.
Boostrix
A booster is advised for healthcare workers who have not received a pertussis-containing vaccine in the last 5 years and have regular contact with pregnant women or young infants.
Please Note: MBBS, Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Nursing (Child) and Physician Associate Students
Clinical activities for MBBS, Midwifery, Paramedic, Nursing (Child) and Physician Associate students involve Exposure Prone Procedures (EPPs). EPPs are those procedures where the worker's gloved hands may be in contact with sharp instruments, needles tips or sharp tissues (eg bone or teeth) inside a patient's open body cavity or a wound where the hands or fingertips may not be completely visible at all times. Your Occupational Health Assessment for clinical placement will require a mandatory blood screening for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. Photographic ID must be provided at this appointment. Eg: passport, driving licence or UH Student ID card.
Rescheduling appointments
You MUST attend your appointment, as missed appointments could delay your attendance to your placement.
In a busy period to rebook an appointment it can take 4 weeks.
If you are unable to attend or need to change your appointment please email occupational.health@herts.ac.uk or call 01707 281328 (available Mon-Thu 8.30 - 17.00 - Fri 8.30 - 16.00) and we will endeavour to find a more suitable date/time.
There are very few health conditions that would stop you doing your programme. You are expected to inform us of any health issue so please don’t be concerned about telling us. Health issues could include anything from physical to mental health conditions, or any other minor health issues.
When you come for screening the clinician will discuss with you about your situation and the best thing to do.
Confidentiality
The Occupational Health Service is committed to maintaining the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of service users at all times. We adhere to the principles of the Data Protection Act, the General Medical Council & Nursing & Midwifery Codes of Confidentiality.
Health Clearance
Your tutor will be made aware of your clearance status.
Need more information?
If you have any questions or concerns about the above, please don't hesitate to contact occupational.health@herts.ac.uk , call 01707 281328 (available Mon-Thu 8.30 - 17.00 - Fri 8.30 - 16.00) or come and see us in the Occupational Health Department - room C457 in Hutton Hub.
