Occupational Health Process

To access the Occupational Health Service, a staff member may be asked to attend by their line manager, or they may self-refer.

1. The referral (Appendix 1) is sent to centraladmin@cognatehealth.ie .
2. Cognate will send an email to both the employee and their line manager within 24 hours of receiving the referral form with the details (date/time/location) of the appointment. The date of the appointment will be as per the request (within 48 hours/1 week/2 weeks) or next available date at the preferred clinic.

If self-referring, they will still require the referral to be signed by line manager/ Regional HR manager.

        3. At the appointment the referred staff member signs a consent form noting the information will be sent to the line manager even if self-referred.

The report is usually sent out within 72 hours of the appointment.

If the employee wants to receive the report, they will need to request it from Occupational Health.

Information that goes in the report to managers

The management referral form may have specific questions from your manager. The report will usually contain answers to these questions, if possible, and any other relevant information relating to the reason for referral and fitness for work.

Details to be included in the report will be discussed with you at the consultation.

These may include:

•             Medical fitness to work.

•             Likely duration of sickness absence

•             Day-to-day effect of any permanent or short-term disability

•             Recommendations that may enable an earlier return to work.

Occupational Health will only make recommendations. Your manager will decide if ‘reasonable accommodations’ can be made.

Occupational Health records and confidentiality

Occupational Health records are kept secure. They are accessed by Occupational Health employees only. Employee information is managed in accordance with the Office of Government Procurement Framework and Tusla data protection and GDPR requirements.

If you are unable to attend your appointment

You must inform your manager and Occupational Health immediately if you cannot attend an appointment. Your appointment may then be offered to another employee. Your manager can request another appointment for you when applicable.

If you are not well enough to attend your appointment, you may be asked to provide a doctor's report instead. Occupational Health may also ask for your written consent to write to your GP or specialist.

Occupational Health Team

Occupational Health Physician:

The Occupational Health Physician is a doctor who has a specialist qualification and is a member of the Royal College of Physicians. Occupational Health Physicians use medical expertise to assess fitness for work, advise on workplace adjustments, prevent ill health, and promote health and wellbeing. They play a key role in rehabilitation by advising on optional treatment strategies.

Occupational Health Nurse:

The Occupational Health Nurse is a nurse with additional qualifications who specialises in the provision of occupational health services in the workplace. They provide advice and support on the management of health and wellbeing in the workplace. They are skilled in the areas of health leadership and management, fitness for work, health risk management and employee wellbeing.

Occupational Health Administrator:

Occupational Health Administrators provide a key support in the position of occupational health services. They commonly have additional medical administrative qualifications and are essential in providing necessary administration support for scheduling and delivery of clinics in a confidential and supportive manner.

What do I need to bring with me to the appointment?

Please bring with you the name of any medication you are taking, details of your GP and hospital specialist, copies of any letters written to your GP by the specialist, if you have them. If you have attended the HSE’s occupational service during this employment you may wish to request a copy of your file to bring with you. You will need to request this directly from the relevant HSE Occupational Health Service to be sent to the current Tusla Occupational Health Provider..