- What do I need to do before placement?
- How to book my Occupational Health appointment
- How long does the appointment take?
- What vaccinations do I need?
- Need to change your appointment?
- What if I have a health condition
- Confidentiality
- Health clearance
- Need more information?
What do I need to do before placement?
To help protect your health and safety, and that of patients, clients and service users, the Department of Health and Social Care requires you to meet certain occupational health requirements.
All students on these programmes must receive Occupational Health clearance before starting placement. This includes an Occupational Health assessment and may involve vaccinations and blood tests.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact your tutor or the Occupational Health team.
How to book my Occupational Health appointment
Admissions will send you a link to complete an online Occupational Health questionnaire.
Please complete the questionnaire as soon as possible. Once it has been received, the Occupational Health team will arrange your appointment before your placement starts.
Delays in completing the questionnaire may affect your placement start date.
If you have any problems accessing or completing the questionnaire, contact the Occupational Health team for support.
What is a new starter screening appointment?
After you complete the health questionnaire, you will be invited to a New Starter Screening appointment.
This appointment helps ensure any health needs are identified and supported before you begin placement activities.
Please bring your GP vaccination record to your appointment or send it to the Occupational Health team in advance.
During the appointment, a healthcare professional may:
- Review your medical history
- Check your vaccination status
- Discuss any health concerns
- Arrange blood tests if required
- Administer vaccinations if required
How long does the appointment take?
Appointments usually last 40–60 minutes.
Depending on your programme and medical history, you may need vaccinations or blood tests during the appointment.
To help with blood testing, drink plenty of fluids and eat before attending.
If you are nervous about blood tests or needles, let the administration team know when your appointment is arranged so extra time can be allocated.
Non-attendance without prior notice will be reported to your tutor and may affect your ability to attend placement.
What vaccinations do I need?
Students on Health, Medicine, Life Sciences and Art Therapy programmes must be up to date with the vaccinations relevant to their course.
Hepatitis B
Healthcare students, including MBBS students, are strongly recommended to complete a course of three Hepatitis B vaccinations.
You may arrange these through your GP before starting your course and provide evidence to the Occupational Health team. Some GP practices may charge for this service.
If you have not received the vaccinations before arrival, the University Occupational Health team will provide them.
A blood test will be required after vaccination to confirm immunity.
MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)
Healthcare students must provide evidence of receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine.
If you cannot provide evidence, the Occupational Health team will arrange vaccination.
Varicella (Chickenpox)
Students who have not had chickenpox, or are unsure whether they have had it, will need a blood test to check immunity.
Students who are not immune will be offered vaccination.
Tuberculosis (TB)
All students will have their TB status assessed through a scar check and/or blood test.
Where appropriate, vaccination, advice or referral will be provided.
Boostrix
A Boostrix booster may be recommended for healthcare workers who:
- Have not received a pertussis-containing vaccine within the last five years
- Have regular contact with pregnant women or young infants
Flu vaccination
You are encouraged to receive a seasonal flu vaccination when available to help protect yourself and the people you work with.
This recommendation applies to all relevant programmes.
Additional requirements for some programmes
MBBS, Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Nursing (Child) and Physician Associate students
Students on these programmes undertake Exposure Prone Procedures (EPPs) during clinical placements.
EPPs are procedures where a healthcare worker's gloved hands may come into contact with sharp instruments, needle tips or sharp tissues inside a patient's body or wound, where their fingertips may not always be visible.
Because of this, Occupational Health clearance includes mandatory blood screening for:
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- HIV
You must bring photographic identification to this appointment, such as:
- Passport
- Driving licence
- University of Hertfordshire student ID card
Need to change your appointment?
You must attend your appointment, as missed appointments may delay placement attendance.
During busy periods, it can take up to four weeks to arrange a new appointment.
If you need to cancel or rearrange your appointment, contact the Occupational Health team as soon as possible.
Email: occupational.health@herts.ac.uk
Telephone: 01707 281328
Opening hours
- Monday to Thursday: 8:30am to 5:00pm
- Friday: 8:30am to 4:00pm
What if I have a health condition?
There are very few health conditions that would prevent you from completing your programme.
You should tell Occupational Health about any physical or mental health condition, disability, ongoing treatment or other health concern that may affect your studies or placement.
During your screening appointment, the clinician will discuss your circumstances and any support that may be needed.
Confidentiality
The Occupational Health Service is committed to protecting your privacy, dignity and confidentiality.
The service follows the requirements of:
- Data Protection legislation
- General Medical Council confidentiality guidance
- Nursing and Midwifery Council confidentiality standards
Health clearance
Your tutor will be informed of your Occupational Health clearance status.
Need more information?
Contact the Occupational Health team:
Email: occupational.health@herts.ac.uk
Telephone: 01707 281328
Opening hours
- Monday to Thursday: 8:30am to 5:00pm
- Friday: 8:30am to 4:00pm
Location: Occupational Health Department, Room C457, Hutton Hub.