Working

Working -In Scotland there are 4.9million people of working age (June 2009); in employment in the public sector 632,300 (Q1 2009) and 1.8 million in the private sector. In Scotland there is a total of 152,345 SMEs, (148,770 with less than 50 employees, 3,575 with 50-250 employees). (SMEs are defined as companies where there are 250 or less employees). Excluding central and local government employees, 35% of people working in Scotland do so for enterprises with less than 50 employees; a further 14% work in enterprises with 50-250 employees. Thus 49% of those working in Scotland are engaged in SMEs, (Scottish Economic Statistics 2008). A further 455,600 of the working age population are on Government Benefits (Jobseekers Allowance, Incapacity/Employment and Support Allowance, and Income Support)

Health

Health – The Scottish Government are committed to improving the health of the population. For those in the workplace the main health challenges are mental health issues, problems with muscles, bones and joints; other common health conditions associated with the workplace are skin, respiratory and hearing difficulties.

Services

Services – The availability of occupational health services are found mainly in the public sector and large companies. However, those working in SMEs appear to have more difficulty in accessing a range of occupational health support services. Being aware of this situation the Scottish Government has funded three pilot projects in NHS Borders, NHS Tayside (Dundee), NHS Lothian to assist those who are employed in SMEs to help them stay in work, or if they are absent from work, help them return to work.

Working Health Services

Working Health Services is delivered by the NHS in the above areas and offers access to a specialist workplace team of health professionals who offer a range of services including physiotherapy, psychological services/counselling, occupational therapy, occupational health nurse/advisor and an occupational health physician.
To be eligible for Working Health Services you must:

a) be employed by a Borders based SME (a company that employs less than 250 people)
b) be in work and struggling or be off work.

Referrals to Working Health Services

The services allow employees to self-refer to a range of free, rapid access health services. Employers are also encouraged to use the services to help employees stay in work or return to work quicker following a period of sickness absence. GP's can also refer patients to the service.

Referrals to Working Health Service Borders
Self referral:
Telephone: 01896 - 825983 Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm
e mail:whs@borders.scot.nhs.uk
Post: The Project Manager, Working Health Services Borders, West End House, High Street, Melrose TD6 9RU
Download Working Health Services Borders posters and leaflet

GP referral:
Download referral form WHS Borders

Working Health Services Borders was launched in June 2009 and has received Scottish Government funding for 12 months.

What happens when you refer to Working Health Services?

1.When you telephone Working Health Services Borders you will speak to our administrator who will ask you some general questions about yourself, your employment and your condition. You will be given a date and time for an appointment with a therapist at the end of your first phone call.

2.Depending on your needs an appointment may be made with a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, psychological therapist or a combination of therapists. From there you may receive a further referral from an occupational health nurse or doctor.

3.When you attend for your appointment which is usually held in an NHS Hospital or Health centre closest to you. Your therapist will carry out an assessment, a treatment plan and treatment goals will be negotiated with you and further appointments, if required, will be given.

4.After finishing your course of treatment, you will be asked to complete an evaluation form. We use this information to ensure that Working Health Services Borders is continuously delivering a high quality of service.

5.We will contact you after 3 and 6 months to enquire about your health and employment status. This information will be anonymous and is used by the Scottish Government to evaluate the service.

Members of Working Health Service teams and what they do

The teams consist of a range of health professionals who have specific expertise in workplace health issues.

Case Manager

When you access Working Health Services Borders the first therapist you see will become your assigned case manager. It is the Case Manager’s responsibility to make sure that you access the relevant services for your health and employment needs, know exactly when and where your appointments are, undertake any liaison with your GP or other health specialists and to act as a contact point if your employer is aware you have accessed our service. Your Case Manager will also be able to signpost you to other relevant services should you require additional help or support. Your Case Manager will talk to you about your health problems, and any other issues which may be affecting your health such as domestic or financial problems. The Case Manager will also discuss your work in depth with you looking at how your health affects your work and how your work affects your health.

Physiotherapy

If you require physiotherapy the Case Manager will give you an appointment to see an experienced therapist. You will be able to discuss the issues you want resolved. After a physical examination of your signs and symptoms a treatment plan that suits your needs and work commitments will be agreed. X-rays or other investigations, specialist opinions or podiatry assessment can all be accessed if necessary, and your progress will be reviewed to ensure your best opportunity of recovery. During your inital appointment you will have a full assessment of your symptoms. The therapist will explain the cause of your symptoms and together a treatment plan will be formulated that fits your needs. Results of investigations you have previously had can be accessed and if necessary your physio can write to your GP to request further investigations. Onward referral to podiatry and other specialist opinions can be made by your physiotherapist.

Occupational Therapy

An Occupational Therapist offers assessment and treatment to clients with both mental health and physical health problems. This assessment will be carried out either at the client’s home (where appropriate), external clinics or the workplace for a specific work assessment. Although the assessment and intervention is work focused, other areas of life such as abilities to carry out day to day activities within and out-with the home, low mood and decreased socialisation will be addressed as often these issues can have an impact on work.
Occupational Therapy helps you identify activities involved in your job and explore any physical or mental health issues causing difficulties at work. Different ways of doing or thinking about work tasks will be discussed. This could include suggestions for equipment or work methods that will make tasks easier to carry out. With consent, assessments can be undertaken at your workplace. Although the assessment and intervention is work focused, other arears of life such as abilities to carry out day to day activities within and out-with the home, low mood and decreased socialisation will be addressed as often these issues can have an impact on work.

Psychological Therapy

Psychological Therapy/Counselling is a process that helps a person step back from a problem and see it more clearly; it is a way of enabling choice or change or of reducing confusion to help you identify your own way forward. The psychologist or counsellor will help you explore and, where possible, resolve difficulties by providing a safe and non-judgemental space in which to talk. The Psychologist Therapy or counsellor will provide you with information. Sessions last around 50 minutes and usually take place weekly or fortnightly.

If you are concerned about your health and how this may be affecting your ability to carry out your work-WHS Borders is for you.

Case Studies

To read about some of the people Working Health Services has helped, access our Case Studies:
John-Construction Company employee
Alan-Wood Worker
Kelly-Farm Worker

Click here to download poster for Working Health Services Borders

Free National Adviceline

0800 019 2211
Confidential advice and information on a wide range of workplace health issues including Health Promotion, Occupational Health and Safety, Employability and Vocational Rehabilitation.9am-5pm Mon-Thur, 9am-4.30pm Fri.