Speech from the Chairman of the Occupational Health Committee, Dr Susan Robson
Tuesday 1 July 2003
Occupational physicians are part of a small but active specialty, and during the past year we have enjoyed working not only independently but with several other crafts, promoting and reviewing a number of important issues.
The Occupational Health Committee and GPC lobbied the Government very hard to provide funding for occupational health services to the primary care sector. We were successful in persuading them that not only was there a need but, whatever the employment status of general practitioners, the Government had a moral responsibility to provide for them.
Twenty-one million pounds was provided over the last three years, but, as suspected, a major problem was that, despite our requests, the Government refused to ring-fence the funds and the findings of a recent GPC survey of LMCs in January 2003 confirms our fears that, whilst the provision of services is improving, it is still patchy and far from comprehensive.
As a result I believe we need to take a number of actions:
First we need to ensure that funding continues into the future.
Secondly, we need to ensure that Primary Care Trusts are active in commissioning appropriate services and I accept that these are not always readily available and to an appropriate standard.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we need to persuade GPs especially at a time when they are under such pressure that there is a real value for them in such services and encourage them to demand they are supplied.
All the available evidence confirms that doctors as a profession are especially vulnerable to mental health problems, including symptoms of stress, depression, alcohol misuse and suicide. The results of a recent Occupational Health committee survey illustrates a significant disparity in the mental health service provision for doctors and medical students across the country. The Committee therefore intends to promote a 'best practice' referral system for use throughout the NHS to help address this problem. As I mentioned yesterday we also welcome the BMA's financial support in setting up the DOCS for DOCS Services as proposed by the Doctors in Difficulties Group.
A significant volume of evidence demonstrates that work is good for you. The current system of sickness certification has long been an issue for our specialty and for general practitioners. We understand that the Department for Work and Pensions, with the help of other interested parties, is now willing to re-examine this area. We continue to liaise with the Doctor Patient Partnership looking at a range of initiatives and alternatives to the system including that of promoting rehabilitation and return to work.
Finally, we feel that the time is right to review and consolidate a number of our achievements to date. This is with special reference to the ten point BMA Charter for 'Health, Safety and Welfare in the NHS' produced following the ARM in 1998.
Whilst we are pleased to report significant progress in many areas we believe that there is an urgent need for action in relation to number nine on the list which states that:
'There should be appropriate infection control in all NHS premises'
As agreed this morning, infection control needs to take account of basic general hygiene measures.
The evidence indicates that there is a failure in this important area resulting in significant harm and distress to patients and an estimated monetary cost of one billion annually to the NHS from hospital acquired infections. As a result the Occupational Health Committee will focus particularly on this area during the coming year.
Finally Mr Chairman I would like to take this opportunity to thank the BMA staff for all their help and support during the last year and to wish John Lindsay well in his retirement.
Chairman - I move.