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Employee Assistance Service

The Employee Assistance Service is provided by Spectrum Life, and provides advice to all school staff on a range of issues including wellbeing, bereavement, conflict and mediation. Where required, short-term counselling is available to all school staff and their family members.

How do I access the EAS?

The EAS is accessible through the dedicated Free-phone Confidential Helpline at 1800 411 057 and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Alternatively, text ‘Hi’ to 087 369 0010 to avail of EAS support on SMS & WhatsApp.

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Common Referral Queries – Occupational Health Referral

Your Medical Examination Information

You may be requested to attend an Occupational Health Assessment and may have a number of questions regarding this. This introduction answers some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have any other queries, please do not hesitate to contact one of the Medmark Team on 021-4550455.

  Why have I been referred to the OHS?
Your file has been referred to the OHS by your employer for the purpose of an independent review of your health in relation to work.

  Will I have to present for assessment?
Not in all instances. The OHS will decide if medical assessment is appropriate.

  If required to attend for assessment, who am I about to attend?
You will attend an Occupational Health Physician – whose area of interest is work, health, ability and disability and any circumstances where work and health interfere with each other.

  What is involved in an Occupational Health Assessment?
The employee is referred to the Occupational Health Service via a Referral Form which determines whether an assessment is required or not. The Occupational Health Physician will start the assessment by discussing your role in school and your occupational history and will then proceed to assess the reason for your referral, the nature of your medical complaints and associated work absence. At the end of the history taking, if it’s appropriate the Occupational Health Physician may do a physical examination.

  What about the confidentiality of my medical history?
Everything that goes on in the assessment is entirely confidential, between you and the Occupational Health Physician. You can tell the Occupational Health Physician anything you like during this assessment and you may be reassured that nothing will be disclosed to any other party without your consent. In the report to the employer the OHS will not disclose personal or confidential information. The OHS does however provide an opinion and relevant details including fitness for work and necessary restrictions and accommodation in the workplace.

  What do I need to bring with me to the medical?
Please bring with you the name of any medication you are taking, details of your GP and hospital Specialist, copies of any letters written to your GP by the Specialist, if you have them.

  What format will the report take?
The Occupational Health Physician will write a report to your employer that will include, recommendations regarding your fitness for work and likely timescale of return to work and any adjustments/restrictions required. This will help your employer to know how to accommodate your needs in the workplace. The report may also endeavour to answer any specific questions that have been asked by your employer.

  Can I have a copy of the report?
Yes, you may request a copy of the report from your employer, who will provide it to you.

  Can I bring someone with me?
Yes, you are welcome to take a friend or relative with you should you so wish.

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