The current work of the National Work and Health Network (NWHN) compliments the proposed HSE model of occupational health for England 'Workplace Health Direct' occupational health services available to employers in small and medium sized enterprises and the recent DoH Public Health White Paper 'Choosing Health'. 'Choosing Health' clearly wishes to support those who wish to remain in, or progress in employment despite disability, health conditions, childcare responsibilities, age, language or skills problems.

There are across the UK several well established NWHN occupational health services offering the support to individuals and businesses to keep their staff healthy and at work and provide support to individuals who wish to access work and who may face particular barriers, such as disability, etc.

Network organisations are independent, not-for-profit making and widely respected in their localities. They have worked with individuals and businesses from some of the most socially disadvantaged and hard to reach communities in the UK. The services have taken several years to develop and have relied on the building of trust and local partnerships driven by the need for the improvement of occupational health advice both in the workplace and for patients attending general practice.

Network partners have extensive systems of referrals from general practice, chambers of commerce, trade unions, local authorities, welfare rights/CAB's, voluntary groups and the health and safety executive, etc.

The method of working has developed over several years and a model has emerged of best practice from a general consensus of all community-based occupational health services. We believe this reflects the valuable and unique experience gained, and replicates some of the current best practice and experience available in the UK. The network has extensive practical experience of supporting individuals and businesses with complex occupational health issues including stress, RSI, bullying, occupational asthma, asbestos etc. The network is happy to share this experience with the HSE in building up an effective National Occupational Health and Safety Service.

However, the time and effort that it will take to build up local networks and effective partnerships should not be underestimated. For example, primary health care is currently bombarded by initiatives and new challenges; any agency that does not acknowledge this will find it particularly difficult to engage with primary health care in a meaningful manner. Likewise the business community is very wary of allowing outsiders to look at their health and safety systems. Network partners have extensive experience of marketing and providing services, recruiting businesses and gaining the confidence of business owners.

The National Work Health Network is uniquely positioned and is set apart from other current providers in the UK by its extensive experience and record of working in partnership with PCTs, business and local communities. The network is committed to prevention of occupational ill health. The NWHN is well placed to offer the HSE Workplace Health Direct pilots invaluable experience and early wins to further develop occupational health services in the UK.