Sickness Absence Solution 1
A 35 year old office administrator was referred to one of our Occupational physicians with a 6 month history of back pain and sciatica. Despite treatment from her GP and a chiropractor her condition had deteriorated and her pain and lack of mobility was now seriously affecting her daily life as well as her work.
Clinical examination indicated compression of spinal nerve roots. An MRI scan demonstrated a large inter-vertebral disc prolapse. Urgent referral to a neurosurgeon resulted in surgery 2 weeks later. Nine weeks after the original consultation, the woman returned to the occupational health consultant and was noted to be mobile and virtually pain free. She was advised to start work on a part time basis the following Monday, and 3 weeks later she returned to full time employment, a grateful and satisfied customer.
This case demonstrates how effective purchase of private treatment can bring huge benefits to both the employee and the employer. With the help of a medical adviser these services can be purchased on a case by case basis or through private health insurance. In this case the individual was a member of the company private health insurance scheme, but did not benefit from the scheme until the HR department arranged an appointment with their CHL company medical adviser. We would not wish to take credit for the considerable skill of the neurosurgeon or the marvels of magnetic resonance imaging, but we were able to ensure that the patient was appropriately investigated and treated with the minimum of delay. Perhaps we can help you with the medical management of cases of employee injury or ill health.
Sickness Absence Solution 2
A transport company employing 500 people approached Corporate Health because they were concerned about their high level of sickness absence. In consultation with the personnel manager a system was devised by which individuals who are off sick were referred for a medical report at an early stage of any absence.
At the end of six months the managing director of the company estimated that the new method of dealing with absence and Corporate Health's on-going advice on the individual's cases had saved the company over £60,000.The cost to the company for Corporate Health's advice, consultancy and service? - £3,500. There a net benefit to the company of £56,500.
Long term sickness absence
A young man with significant mental problems was referred to one of the occupational physicians at Corporate Health Limited by the personnel manager. He had been absent from his office based job for 3 months and the company were no clearer as to when he would return. After obtaining a report from the GP, which coincided with a failed attempt at returning to work, the employee reluctantly agreed to attend for a consultation. This led to a planned return to work at reduced hours with a slow phased increase.
Close liaison with the GP, personnel and the line manager led to a successful return to work. In particular the company felt it was useful for the line manager to have some guidance on how to manage him given the display of unusual behaviour that is part of this condition. Interestingly, the young man's father had had similar mental health problems that had led to the loss of his job. It was felt that because of this a great deal of fear was experienced by the young man's protective family and this led to the apparent slowness to co-operate with the company's initial offer of an occupational medical opinion.
This case shows that complex sickness absence cases can be managed successfully providing good levels of communication are achieved and this is always our aim. The company culture was important, as they at all times were caring and supportive regarding this individual.