Functional Requirements

Applicants only: This document is for information only.

Successful Applicants: Please read the information below carefully. You will be asked to confirm whether or not you need any work place adjustments to
support you in your job role. If you are unsure about any of the information below, or if you are unsure about any aspect of your job/role or workplace, you may
contact your recruiting manager. If necessary someone from OH will contact you and take a history. Any medical or personal information that you provide to OH
will be held in confidence and in accordance with UK GDPR. It will only be disclosed to a third party with your explicit consent.

Health problem Impact on work Adjustments/support

Musculoskeletal problems Working in a hospital generally involves physical activity Most musculoskeletal problems are minor and resolve with or without
(back, neck, joints etc) of some kind i.e. walking, standing, running (in an treatment. Some chronic problems may require adjustments if mobility,
emergency), pushing, pulling, carrying loads, helping strength, functions or flexibility is impaired. If you require adjustments to
patients to move and transfer and working with your work due to musculoskeletal problems, these can be arranged as
computers (Display Screen Equipment (DSE)). Please long as they are reasonably practicable. Support is available from the staff
check your job description to see how much physical physiotherapist, the moving and handling team and the health and safety
activity your job entails. advisers.
Mental health problems Working in healthcare can be busy and pressurised at Support is available from the staff psychological and welfare department,
times. Starting a new job or being newly qualified can OH and your manager. Please declare all mental health problems
add additional pressures. Existing mental health (including work related stress). You will be contacted by an OH adviser for
conditions such as depression and anxiety can be a confidential discussion. Adjustments may be recommended
exacerbated when moving to a new job or environment.
Skin conditions i.e. Working in healthcare, especially those working directly Those with a preexisting skin problem require skin surveillance and may
eczema, dermatitis, with patients or blood/body fluids, involves hand need adjustments. Alternatives to most products can be found to
allergies, psoriasis washing with soap and gels and wearing gloves. This accommodate skin problems/complaints. Temporary adjustments may be
may exacerbate existing skin conditions. Working with made for those with broken skin on their hands.
broken skin on your hands is an infection control risk. Those with suspected allergies may be referred for allergy testing.
Diabetes, epilepsy, heart Some roles in healthcare require staff to work shifts If you have a health condition that may be adversely affected by working
conditions or any other (including nights). This may have an impact on some nights, an assessment will be undertaken by the OH Team. Temporary or
condition that may be health conditions. permanent adjustments may be required. Please declare all health
affected by working shifts. conditions that may be affected by shift work – especially night duty. .
Allergies Healthcare staff may be exposed to substances that Please declare all allergies that may have an impact in the work place i.e.
cause or exacerbate existing allergies. latex, chemicals, biological substances etc. Adjustments can be made to
avoid substances and for replacements to be recommended.
Dyslexia Working in healthcare involves record keeping, Those with dyslexia will be contacted by the OH team to discuss the
calculating drug doses, reading complex medical impact that their dyslexia may have on their work. They may be asked to
information and processing complex information (at provide an educational psychologist’s report to ensure that appropriate
times under pressure). adjustments can be recommended (where necessary).
Sensory problems i.e. Some healthcare roles are more easily adapted for An assessment will be undertaken in regard to any sensory deficit that
hearing, sight (not those with sensory deficits than others. There may be may impact on the safety of staff or patients. It may be necessary to
corrected by spectacles, health and safety considerations i.e. fire safety, access. involve the access to work team if significant adjustments are required.
lenses or hearing aids)
Version March 2014
Blood borne viruses All surgeons, Dentists, Dental nurses, dental hygienists, These staff groups will be sent a questionnaire requesting information on
medical staff in A&E, Urology, General practice, Obs their Hepatitis B status. Those new to EPP need to provide information on
and Gynae, midwives, qualified theatre staff (inc ODP, their hepatitis C and HIV status as well. All health care workers who are
ODA) require clearance to practice exposure prone infected with a blood born virus have a legal and ethical duty to inform OH
procedures (EPP) BEFORE they start work. in strictest confidence. Adjustments for EPP workers may be required
Health problem Impact on work Adjustments/support
Infectious diseases Health care workers are sometimes exposed to All health care staff must bring details of their immunisations and blood
infectious diseases such as TB, measles, chickenpox, test results to the occupational health department on their first day of work.
rubella. The trust also has a duty to protect patients from The OH team will assess whether or not further vaccinations or blood tests
catching infectious diseases from staff. are required to protect the health care worker and the patient.
You must tick b) below if you are currently suffering If you have a condition that lowers your immunity to infections (inc. HIV),
from an infectious disease. you must inform OH so that adjustments can be made
TB You must tell occupational health BEFORE you  Have a cough that has lasted more than 3 weeks
commence work if you:  Have lost weight (not as part of a weight loss programme)
 Are coughing up blood
By ticking option a), you are confirming that you are  Have night time sweats
symptom free.  Have a fever associated with the above symptoms.
Any other health condition Some health conditions may be exacerbated by working You may discuss any health condition that you think may affect your work,
that may impact on your in a health care environment or impact on your ability to in confidence, with the occupational health team. Where practicable,
role (please see job perform all of your duties. adjustments will be made to help you achieve your full potential in the
description) workplace. Specific health conditions are not discussed with your manager
or any other third party without your consent.
New or expectant mothers. Whilst not a health problem, new or expectant mothers You should inform your manager in writing that you are pregnant. On
have a legal right to a work place risk assessment. This receipt of this information, your manager will undertake a risk assessment.
will ensure that you are not exposed to hazards in the If any risks/hazards are identified, adjustments will be made to
work place that may pose a risk to you or your unborn minimise/remove them. This may or may not include the OH department. If
child. you would like confidential advice in regard to work and pregnancy, you
may self-refer to OH.
Sickness absence records The trust will be asking your referee about your sickness If your sickness absence record gives your recruiting manager cause for
absence record over the last 2 years. concern or if your absence hits one of the trigger points in the Organisation
sickness and absence policy, a member of the OH team will contact you.
This is to establish if there is an underlying health condition and if the trust
needs to make any reasonable adjustments for you.

Version March 2014