Faculty welcomes government response to occupational health consultation
The Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM) has welcomed the government’s response to its 2019 consultation Health is everyone’s business.
The Covid epidemic has brought the benefits of occupational health (OH) services into sharp focus and the government has recognised the sector’s critical role in supporting the response to the virus.
We share the government’s view that a potential rise in demand for OH means that there is a need to ensure organisations are not purchasing “inappropriate or low-value services”. It is also welcome that the government has stated that OH providers should be accredited to schemes such as our Safe, Effective, Quality Occupational Health Service (SEQOHS).
We are keen to get further detail and work with the government on their plans for an OH subsidy for employers, developing OH experts and promoting the value of OH services.
Dr Steve Nimmo, Faculty President, said: “This is a pivotal time for occupation health as the expertise of our sector can make a real difference to the health of the working population. The Faculty of Occupational Medicine is uniquely placed to advise the government on securing the highest standards for occupational health. I look forward to continuing our discussions and moving at pace to create positive change for the lives of working people.”
