AddressOur trust has around 10,000 staff serving 1.6 million patients. It comprises Barnet Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital, the Royal Free Hospital and more than 30 services in the community. This larger scale organisation provides an unprecedented opportunity for us to continue our pioneering work, particularly in finding ways to deliver even better care to our patients.
Our mission is to deliver world class care and expertise in our clinical services, underpinned by world class teaching and research and we will continue to measure our progress against our five governing objectives: excellent outcomes, excellent patient and staff experience, excellent value for taxpayers’ money, being safe and meeting our external duties, and building a strong organisation.
Everyone is welcome at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. We're proud of our diversity and we continue to undertake new initiatives to advance equality for LGBT+, BME, gender equality, staff carers and people with disabilities and lived experiences to promote good relations and understanding between our staff.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. RESPONSIBILITY FOR POLICY AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENT
a) Undertake pre-employment health screening and assessment of fitness to work with
recommendations for adjustments to the workplace in accordance with the DDA (1998)
under supervision of the SOHA. Assess the need for further information from GP,
specialist or previous employer for pre-employment blood tests in accordance with
Department of Health guidelines and gain the appropriate consent.
b) Effectively communicate the staff member's rights under the Access to Medical reports
act (1998)
c) To gain experience in the effect of health on work and work on health and be able to
advise staff and managers.
d) To assist in investigating infection control problems arising in the workplace, collecting
accurate data and samples, recording and reporting findings, and advising staff and
managers on action required to protect patients and other staff.
e) To maintain effective communication with the infection control team, virology,
microbiology, and the rest of the OH team with regard to infection control incidents.
f) Assist with external contract work as directed by the Senior Occupational nursing team.
g) To develop skills to assess any member of staff/student following a blood or body fluid
exposure incident, undertaking a risk assessment, discussing with a senior member of
the nursing or medical staff and taking appropriate action in accordance with the policy.
h) Assist the SOHAs to ensure that all data regarding blood tests and immunisations are
accurately recorded on the computerised database, that staff are informed of any
outstanding screening or immunisations and provided with information regarding
immunisations and blood test results on request.
i) Be able to administer a range of occupational immunisations in accordance with the
Written Instructions.
j) Develop knowledge in assessing and advising staff about the side effects,
effectiveness, follow up and rationale for giving occupational
k) Accurately gather and record working history and exposure to workplace hazards.
l) Develop skills to undertake a range of basic health protection/surveillance activities
e.g. vision screening; audiometry, skin checks, spirometry, swabs, phlebotomy,
urinalysis, immunisations and administration of medicine under our Written Instructions
as required.
m) Carry out initial assessment of employees following work related accidents/incidents,
ill health or sickness absence, using an evidence-based and client centred approach
to practice, under the supervision of the Senior Occupational Health Advisor(s). To
seek further advice when issues fall outside standard protocols and guidance.
n) To communicate with GPs, managers and other members of the OH team as
appropriate.
o) To utilise basic counselling and listening skills to support employees/students and
managers. To refer following advice and as appropriate to OH Psychologist, GP, OH
physician or Senior Occupational Health Advisor (SOHA) as appropriate.
p) Use basic knowledge, protocols and guidance to identify actual and potential hazards
regarding manual handling, ergonomics, infection control and working practices.
q) With supervision, contribute to occupational hygiene measurement, control and
education by following guidance in policies and protocols.
r) Develop basic knowledge and skills to be able to provide advice on safe systems of
work, infection control, personal protective equipment, environmental safety, employee
job placement safety, and rehabilitation following health and safety related sickness
absence.
s) To develop skills to assess any member of staff/student following a blood or body fluid
exposure incident, undertaking a risk assessment, discussing with a senior member of
the nursing or medical staff and taking appropriate action in accordance with the
departmental policy.
t) Be able to administer a range of occupational immunisations in accordance with the
Written Instructions.
u) Develop knowledge in assessing and advising staff about the side effects,
effectiveness, follow up and rationale for giving occupational immunisations.
2. RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL AND PHYSICAL RESOURCES
a) No budgetary responsibilities other than to ensure the continued maintenance of good
housekeeping with the minimum waste of resources.
3. RESPONSIBILITY FOR LEADING AND MANAGING
a) The post holder will contribute to improving the quality of working life by the effective
provision of a comprehensive Occupational Health service and promoting the health,
safety and wellbeing of employees in line with the organisations’ objectives.
b) Display good negotiation skills and empathy when delivering difficult messages and the
ability to break down barriers in communication and understanding.
c) Ensure that departmental protocols and policies are adhered to.
d) To ensure that clinics run efficiently across the service.
4. RESPONSIBILITY FOR INFORMATION RESOURCES
a) Maintaining the data base of information and will be responsible for safeguarding and
storing data in line with national guidance.
b) Maintain secure, accurate, continuous and confidential Occupational Health records in line
with legislative requirements and Trust and department policies.
c) Collect all Occupational Health record and store data accurately.
d) Ensure highest levels of clinical governance, through effective use of policies and SOP’s.
e) Assist the SOHAs to ensure that all data regarding blood tests and immunisations are
accurately recorded on the computerised database, that staff are informed of any
outstanding screening or immunisations and provided with information regarding
immunisations and blood test results on request.
5. RESPONSIBILITY FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
a) The postholder will work with the SOHAs in undertaking research to drive service
developments using the agreed key performance indicators and benchmarking exercises
with information from the Occupational Health System.
b) Initiate, and participate in, programmes of audit where necessary and support the
dissemination of findings.
c) Contribute to the ongoing development of the computerised OH record system / database
and participate in departmental audits.
d) To take part in assessing and meeting the needs of the department and the trust by
participating in research and audit programmes.
6. ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
a) All staff members working within the service are expected to work flexibly to meet the
needs of customers. This may mean stepping across to assist colleagues in other
teams, or being temporarily redeployed from one area of the service to another in
order to ensure that customer demands are met across the whole of the client
population. Staff working in more junior roles may also be transferred from one part
of the service to another to help their own personal development.
b) From time to time, undertake other duties commensurate with the grade.
c) To maintain confidentiality in accordance with departmental and trust polices and the
Data Protection Act 1994. If in the event of an individual's health or safety or that of
a patient within the hospital being compromised, then liaise with the Lead OHA or
Head of Workforce Health, Equality and Diversity in order to determine whether or
not it is appropriate to disclose information without consent.
d) To act in accordance with the local policies and procedures laid down by the Royal
Free London NHS Foundation Trust and local departmental policies.
e) To maintain a professional profile and to work within the NMC Scope of Professional
Practice Code of Conduct.
f) Post holder is responsible for maintaining effective registration with the NMC and
must inform Lead OHA of any restriction placed on practice or factors affecting
registration
1. RESPONSIBILITY FOR POLICY AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENT
a) Undertake pre-employment health screening and assessment of fitness to work with
recommendations for adjustments to the workplace in accordance with the DDA (1998)
under supervision of the SOHA. Assess the need for further information from GP,
specialist or previous employer for pre-employment blood tests in accordance with
Department of Health guidelines and gain the appropriate consent.
b) Effectively communicate the staff member's rights under the Access to Medical reports
act (1998)
c) To gain experience in the effect of health on work and work on health and be able to
advise staff and managers.
d) To assist in investigating infection control problems arising in the workplace, collecting
accurate data and samples, recording and reporting findings, and advising staff and
managers on action required to protect patients and other staff.
e) To maintain effective communication with the infection control team, virology,
microbiology, and the rest of the OH team with regard to infection control incidents.
f) Assist with external contract work as directed by the Senior Occupational nursing team.
g) To develop skills to assess any member of staff/student following a blood or body fluid
exposure incident, undertaking a risk assessment, discussing with a senior member of
the nursing or medical staff and taking appropriate action in accordance with the policy.
h) Assist the SOHAs to ensure that all data regarding blood tests and immunisations are
accurately recorded on the computerised database, that staff are informed of any
outstanding screening or immunisations and provided with information regarding
immunisations and blood test results on request.
i) Be able to administer a range of occupational immunisations in accordance with the
Written Instructions.
j) Develop knowledge in assessing and advising staff about the side effects,
effectiveness, follow up and rationale for giving occupational
k) Accurately gather and record working history and exposure to workplace hazards.
l) Develop skills to undertake a range of basic health protection/surveillance activities
e.g. vision screening; audiometry, skin checks, spirometry, swabs, phlebotomy,
urinalysis, immunisations and administration of medicine under our Written Instructions
as required.
m) Carry out initial assessment of employees following work related accidents/incidents,
ill health or sickness absence, using an evidence-based and client centred approach
to practice, under the supervision of the Senior Occupational Health Advisor(s). To
seek further advice when issues fall outside standard protocols and guidance.
n) To communicate with GPs, managers and other members of the OH team as
appropriate.
o) To utilise basic counselling and listening skills to support employees/students and
managers. To refer following advice and as appropriate to OH Psychologist, GP, OH
physician or Senior Occupational Health Advisor (SOHA) as appropriate.
p) Use basic knowledge, protocols and guidance to identify actual and potential hazards
regarding manual handling, ergonomics, infection control and working practices.
q) With supervision, contribute to occupational hygiene measurement, control and
education by following guidance in policies and protocols.
r) Develop basic knowledge and skills to be able to provide advice on safe systems of
work, infection control, personal protective equipment, environmental safety, employee
job placement safety, and rehabilitation following health and safety related sickness
absence.
s) To develop skills to assess any member of staff/student following a blood or body fluid
exposure incident, undertaking a risk assessment, discussing with a senior member of
the nursing or medical staff and taking appropriate action in accordance with the
departmental policy.
t) Be able to administer a range of occupational immunisations in accordance with the
Written Instructions.
u) Develop knowledge in assessing and advising staff about the side effects,
effectiveness, follow up and rationale for giving occupational immunisations.
2. RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL AND PHYSICAL RESOURCES
a) No budgetary responsibilities other than to ensure the continued maintenance of good
housekeeping with the minimum waste of resources.
3. RESPONSIBILITY FOR LEADING AND MANAGING
a) The post holder will contribute to improving the quality of working life by the effective
provision of a comprehensive Occupational Health service and promoting the health,
safety and wellbeing of employees in line with the organisations’ objectives.
b) Display good negotiation skills and empathy when delivering difficult messages and the
ability to break down barriers in communication and understanding.
c) Ensure that departmental protocols and policies are adhered to.
d) To ensure that clinics run efficiently across the service.
4. RESPONSIBILITY FOR INFORMATION RESOURCES
a) Maintaining the data base of information and will be responsible for safeguarding and
storing data in line with national guidance.
b) Maintain secure, accurate, continuous and confidential Occupational Health records in line
with legislative requirements and Trust and department policies.
c) Collect all Occupational Health record and store data accurately.
d) Ensure highest levels of clinical governance, through effective use of policies and SOP’s.
e) Assist the SOHAs to ensure that all data regarding blood tests and immunisations are
accurately recorded on the computerised database, that staff are informed of any
outstanding screening or immunisations and provided with information regarding
immunisations and blood test results on request.
5. RESPONSIBILITY FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
a) The postholder will work with the SOHAs in undertaking research to drive service
developments using the agreed key performance indicators and benchmarking exercises
with information from the Occupational Health System.
b) Initiate, and participate in, programmes of audit where necessary and support the
dissemination of findings.
c) Contribute to the ongoing development of the computerised OH record system / database
and participate in departmental audits.
d) To take part in assessing and meeting the needs of the department and the trust by
participating in research and audit programmes.
6. ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
a) All staff members working within the service are expected to work flexibly to meet the
needs of customers. This may mean stepping across to assist colleagues in other
teams, or being temporarily redeployed from one area of the service to another in
order to ensure that customer demands are met across the whole of the client
population. Staff working in more junior roles may also be transferred from one part
of the service to another to help their own personal development.
b) From time to time, undertake other duties commensurate with the grade.
c) To maintain confidentiality in accordance with departmental and trust polices and the
Data Protection Act 1994. If in the event of an individual's health or safety or that of
a patient within the hospital being compromised, then liaise with the Lead OHA or
Head of Workforce Health, Equality and Diversity in order to determine whether or
not it is appropriate to disclose information without consent.
d) To act in accordance with the local policies and procedures laid down by the Royal
Free London NHS Foundation Trust and local departmental policies.
e) To maintain a professional profile and to work within the NMC Scope of Professional
Practice Code of Conduct.
f) Post holder is responsible for maintaining effective registration with the NMC and
must inform Lead OHA of any restriction placed on practice or factors affecting
registration
Person specification
Values
Essential criteria
- Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values
Education & professional Qualifications and Experience
Essential criteria
- Registered Nurse (first level registration)
- Two years post registration and demonstrable experience any adult nursing / midwifery fields
- Will consider working towards a recognised Occupational Health qualification at Diploma, First degree or Post graduate level
Clinical skills
Desirable criteria
- Phlebotomy skills
Covid-19 Vaccination
Getting vaccinated, and getting a booster, remains the best defence against COVID-19.
We encourage and support staff to get COVID-19 vaccine and a booster dose as and when they are eligible.- AT* - Apprenticeship Training. Where AT* is entered next to the job title indicates that this vacancy is for an apprenticeship role.
- By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers. Therefore we require you to complete your stat and Man e-learning modules prior to joining our organisation.
- If you are an EU/EEA citizen who does not have EU Settlement or Pre-Settled status, you will require a visa to work in the UK.
- Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Before submitting your application and to avoid disappointment please check that you are eligible under the UKVI points based system.
- If you are offered a role with one of the NLPSS partner trusts, as part of pre-employment checks your identity and right to work documentation will be verified remotely (in most circumstances), using a certified identity verification service provider TrustID. You will be asked to capture an image of the relevant documents as well as a “selfie” using your smartphone/tablet (if available) for facial matching. TrustID will also perform a digital address check using Trunarrative and Equifax, which is a soft check and does not leave a footprint on your credit rating. For more information, visit www.trustid.co.uk
- The Trust uses electronic new starter forms on Trac to collect personal details. Information collected is securely stored and used to set up the employee record on the ESR HR system.
- The Trust will request a DBS (CRB) if post involves regulated activities. The Trust is compliant with the Disclosure and Barring Service Codes of practice and the Rehabilitation of offenders act.
- By applying for this post you are agreeing to Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust transferring the information contained in this application to its preferred applicant management system. If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system.
- Please be aware of scams – unless specified above, we will only communicate with you via @recruit.trac.jobs or nhs.net e-mails and we will never ask you for any payments.
Applications are welcome from people wishing to job share or work flexible patterns. We are committed to equal opportunities.
Please note:
- Due to the high number of applications that are received for some posts we may close this vacancy before the advertised closing date. Therefore please apply for this post as soon as you can, if you are interested and you meet the requirements of the Person Specification
- Only those candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the person specification will be shortlisted for this job.
- Interview arrangements will be communicated via email so please check your email regularly following the closing date.
Please be advised that due to exceptionally high demand, all Royal Free accommodation is at full capacity and waiting lists are being held. Average waiting times are 12 months. Please do not rely on Trust accommodation when you commence your role and ensure you investigate alternative accommodation for your arrival.
