Primary care surgery sessions and referral service

Surgery sessions are held in GP practices where occupational health histories, hazard exposures, and related health effects are recorded during patient interviews, and added to individual medical records.

Leeds OHAS has worked with 65 GP practices in Leeds. At the end of each six-month period, practices are provided with reports on work related ill-health issues in their patient population. Patients can be referred to Leeds OHAS after the service has left a practice.

Patient referrals cover a range of issues including musculo-skeletal disorders, stress, bullying, dermatitis, respiratory problems, VDU problems, Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome, noise-induced hearing loss, asbestos, pregnancy, disability, accidents, rehabilitation and employment rights.

A database of the patients seen in primary care has been kept since 1995 and now contains nearly 10,000 patient records. We believe it to be the largest resource covering the incidence of work related ill health in the UK.

Other services

Leeds OHAS helps SMEs and the voluntary sector develop safety policies, procedures, and risk assessments; provides audiometry and spirometry testing; training for GPs, physiotherapists, counsellors, primary care staff, and union safety reps; and organises occupational health conferences and seminars accredited by the Faculty of Occupational Medicine.

Publications

The May/June 2004 edition of Occupational Health Review features an article on the 2003 GP patient referral evaluation (Sylvia Tiford and Steffan Harper). A 'VDU: Guide to Safe Use' publication by Leeds OHAS has been distributed nationwide.

Evaluations

An independent Leeds Metropolitan University evaluation (2000) provided evidence that surgery based occupational health sessions were successful in preventing and reducing work-related ill health.

Another independent evaluation on the GP patient referral services (2003) provided evidence of significant workplace health and safety improvements; substantial sickness absence reductions; and reductions in GP consultations as a result of the work of Leeds OHAS.

Positive feedback from more than 90 Leeds GPs who use Leeds OHAS services highlights the value of these services to both GPs and their patients.

Funding

Social Services Department and Leeds South PCT fund Leeds OHAS.