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Occupational Health Assessments for Students on Health and Social Work Programmes

Students on Health and Social Work programmes and Life and Medical Sciences programmes need to have occupational health clearance before starting placements.

                                       

All students on these programmes must have occupational health clearance before commencing their placements.   This will involve a screening meeting with an Occupational Health nurse and could involve having injections.

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?

Once the students have diligently completed their Health Questionnaire, which is sent out to them via Admissions, the next step in ensuring their health and well-being is the New Starter Screening appointment. This appointment serves as a pivotal moment in their journey, where we prioritise their health needs right from the start. Please make sure to provide us with your GP vaccination record either via 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.

For more details see following document: OH Screening and Immunisation Guidance

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. 

                                                                               

 

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Occupational Health

Occupational Health, Safety, and Workplace Wellbeing

Today 08:30 - 17:00
Hutton Hub, College Lane