This document outlines the mandated occupational health checks NHS organisations are required to carry out for the appointment of prospective employees in the NHS. This standard is one of six documents which make up the NHS Employment Check Standards published in March 2008.
If you have any queries which are not already covered under the frequently asked questions section below, please email employmentchecks@nhsemployers.org
Frequently asked questions
When should the OH questionnaire be completed?
Occupational health questionnaires should be completed before an applicant takes up post, this may be on application or on conditional offer of appointment. Questionnaires should be returned by separate envelope addressed to the Occupational Health Department. Information should only be used upon conditional offer of appointment. All questionnaires received for unsuccessful applicants should be destroyed in the appropriate manner.
Who has responsibility for carrying out OH checks on GP registrars and salaried GPs – the practice or the PCT?
The PCT owes a duty of care to the patients and the wider public who are going to be seen and treated by the GPs who are on the performance list. There is also a second duty of care to the GP themselves to ensure that they are fit for the tasks they are being asked/allowed perform. Both these duties are covered by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, also, GPs have a professional duty to ensure that they are fit to perform their duties as outlined in the GMC Good Medical Practice 2006 (see section ‘the meaning of fitness to practise and health) which you can download from the GMC website.