IPPN Briefing Day 2009

Medmark: presentation Medmark. Why is ‘fitness to teach’ an issue? Teacher’s Occupational health service Questions

Medmark Experience –Specialists, 1991, large no. & variety of companies. Background in educational sector Qualifications –Specialists, MFOM/FFOM, training practice Personnel –experienced OHPs, OHAs –efficient admin staff with IT support Location –All surgeries are close to city centres, easily accessible by public transport.

Why is ‘fitness to teach’ an issue? Health, safety and well-being of teachers, students & colleagues Manage any risk to the health of teachers. To enable all teachers, including those with disabilities, can achieve their potential within the bounds of reasonable adjustment.

The benefits of such assessments? To ensure that the health of teachers is being looked after. To manage sickness absence issues To ensure that teachers are fit to teach To highlight any related issues at work To ensure that the health and safety of other teachers, students and support staff is not affected by a colleague’s health condition.

When is an assessment necessary? On appointment as a teacher or return to teaching following an absence in excess of 2 years. During and/or following sickness absence. Where health problems become otherwise evident during employment. Where ill health retirement is being considered.

Pre-employment Assessments -Web-based health declaration - -Candidate submits an on-line health questionnaire -Candidates may be passed fit -Candidates may be contacted for further info -Candidate may need to attend -Decision will be delivered directly to the school / VEC

Occupational Health Assessment -School management refer teacher -Completing an on-line referral form - -Medmark will contact the employer with an appointment -Teacher attends one of Medmark’s regional centres -Teacher is assessed by an occupational health physician -Physician issues recommendations to the employer.

Criteria for assessment Non-discretionary Teachers who have been absent as a result of illness for 12 or more weeks cumulatively or continuously in a 12 month period Discretionary 2009 Teachers about whom the employer has concerns relating to their medical fitness for work.

Medmark report Recommendations regarding fitness for work Timescale of return to work To help the employer understand if any accommodation is required in the workplace To answer any specific questions asked If further clarification is needed the employer can call the physician

Occupational Health Issues Medical or non-medical issue? Factors inside or outside of work? Work stress? Ill-health caused by work or rendering unfit for work? Work performance issues? Lifestyle factors? Influence of sick leave policy on absenteeism?

Ill-health retirement Assessments A teacher, who believes s/he is permanently unfit for work, Two forms, –RET.D.1. to be returned to the Department/VEC and –TMED1 to be returned to Medmark Cork Teacher must assemble the GP and Specialist reports. Teacher is contacted by Medmark and attends one of the regional centres Medmark issues recommendation to the Department

Ill-Health Retirement Issues Measure of last resort Total disability Permanent disability Accommodation explored Not to resolve HR/IR or performance issues Altered priorities of those who have experienced life threatening medical conditions.

Appeals process If unsuccessful a teacher may request a copy of our medical assessment Medmark will also issue a list of medical referees to assist the teacher in the event of an appeal Appeal within 30 days Medmark will forward all relevant medical reports to the medical referee The medical referee will assess the teacher and send a recommendation to the Department/VEC

Confidentiality Information is confidential Information will not be disclosed to any other party without the consent of the teacher. If the nature of a teachers medical complaint is outlined in the report, this typically arises when this has already been disclosed by the teacher to school management With one exception: the occupational health physician is allowed to express an opinion as to whether the teacher is fit or unfit for work or any restrictions or modifications that should be placed on their work.

Any questions? Thank You!