Information for Employers and Managers

What is an Occupational Doctor?

An Occupational Doctor is a medical specialist working with organisations and employees to provide advice and management of health issues affecting work, and/or health that is being affected by work.

How long do appointments take?

Appointments usually last 30 to 60 minutes. Staff are encouraged to bring a support person, and in some cases this may be essential due to health concerns. At times the Doctor may require a chaperone; if no support person is available, please inform us so we can arrange one for the examination. If you think the person requires an interpreter, please let us know so this can be arranged (this will be an additional cost).

Employer requirements

To help the doctor prepare, please provide:

• A referral letter outlining concerns, observations, and specific questions for the doctor.
• Details of the employee's role (e.g. safety-critical or decision-critical), with a task list if possible.
• Information the employee has shared about their health or difficulties.
• Work arrangements, including shift patterns, driving responsibilities, or working from home. The more detail provided, the better.

How long will it take to get a report?

Reports are usually available within two to three weeks, though complex cases may take longer. If urgent, please advise us. Delays can occur as the doctor may need to consult with the person’s GP or other specialists and review past medical notes, which can be time-consuming to obtain from busy practices or hospitals.

Key points to note

• 1A fee applies if an employee misses their appointment or cancels it within 24 hours of the appointment.
• 2If a staff member withdraws consent, Work Health Solutions Ltd cannot provide the report to you. We will notify you immediately and work with the employee to encourage release of the report. You will still be invoiced for the work done.

Withdrawal of consent “overrides” any previous consent, including in writing, which the employee may have provided to their employer. This is more common when the relationship between the two parties is strained or has broken down.

The employee may also withdraw consent if the doctor has recommended something they do not agree with, such as restriction of their duties or medical retirement.

What will the doctor include in the report?

The doctor can include information on health issues that are affecting (or affected by) work and what is reported by the staff member. It will also include information you have provided about the health or performance concerns you have noted.

What can't the doctor include in reports?

The Occupational Doctor can only report on conditions caused by or affecting work. For highly personal issues impacting performance (e.g. abuse or stress outside work), the doctor may limit details to noting that external factors are affecting work, without disclosing specifics.

About stress, depression, neurodiversity, and mental health

We frequently receive referrals for stress, depression, neurodiversity, and other mental health issues. These are complex, often chronic conditions with unpredictable outcomes, unlike physical injuries where recovery is usually straightforward. Return to work may take weeks or months, and progress can be hindered by setbacks. In cases of work-related stress or mental health claims, the Occupational Physician cannot always determine fault, as employer and employee accounts often differ.