An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and compassionate Consultant to join the Occupational Health and Wellbeing Team on a permanent basis.
The role reports to the Head of Occupational Health & Wellbeing and is accountable to the Chief Medical Officer. The Occupational Health & Wellbeing Centre delivers accredited SEQOHS services to improve staff health, reduce stress, and promote wellbeing for Trust employees and external clients. Candidates must have Membership/Fellowship of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine, a CCST/CCT/EEA equivalent in Occupational Medicine, or be eligible for GMC Specialist Register admission within six months of interview. Part of the People and Culture Division, the Occupational Health Department provides comprehensive services to Trust staff and external organisations, generating income for the department. The department has experience training Specialty Trainees and plans to offer further training opportunities.
The post will be primarily based at Royal Lancaster Infirmary, with flexibility to work across other Occupational Health units within the Trust as required.
Occupational Health and Wellbeing contributes directly to staff wellbeing, safe working practices, and the overall resilience of the Trust.
Describe main duties of the job
- To work as part of the Occupational Health and Wellbeing Team to provide a high ‑ quality Occupational Health service to all staff of University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust, as well as external customers and service users, in accordance with agreed Trust policies and procedures.
- To deliver, in conjunction with the multi ‑ disciplinary team, a full Occupational Health and Wellbeing nursing service in line with agreed standard operating procedures and protocols, supporting the maintenance of Safe Effective Quality Occupational Health Service (SEQOHS) standards and upholding Trust values at all times.
- To actively support the NHS People Plan and People Promise, contributing to a safe, healthy, and inclusive working environment that promotes staff wellbeing, engagement, and retention.
- To support the Head of Department in delivering a high standard of service user care and continuous service improvement.
The Occupational Health Consultant provides expert clinical leadership and specialist advice, manages complex occupational health cases, supports organisational risk and wellbeing strategies, and ensures delivery of a high-quality, compliant, and continuously improving occupational health service aligned to SEQOHS, GMC, and NHS standards.
We operate from three main hospitals-Furness General Hospital (FGH) in Barrow, the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI), and Westmorland General Hospital (WGH) in Kendal, as well as a number of community healthcare premises including Millom Hospital and GP Practice, Queen Victoria Hospital in Morecambe, and Ulverston Community Health Centre.
FGH and the RLI have a range of General Hospital services, with full Emergency Departments, Critical/Coronary Care units and various Consultant-led services.
WGH provides a range of General Hospital services, together with an Urgent Treatment Centre, that can help with a range of non-life threatening conditions such as broken bones and minor illnesses.
All three main hospitals provide a range of planned care including outpatients, diagnostics, therapies, day case and inpatient surgery. In addition, a range of local outreach services and diagnostics are provided from community facilities across Morecambe Bay.
Our Community Service for adults are provided in people's homes ,community centres, clinics, GP Practices, community hospitals. Our aim is to work with people to help them remain independent , improve their health and manage their conditions through high quality care, advice and support.
Describe main duties of the job
- To work as part of the Occupational Health and Wellbeing Team to provide a high ‑ quality Occupational Health service to all staff of University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust, as well as external customers and service users, in accordance with agreed Trust policies and procedures.
- To deliver, in conjunction with the multi ‑ disciplinary team, a full Occupational Health and Wellbeing nursing service in line with agreed standard operating procedures and protocols, supporting the maintenance of Safe Effective Quality Occupational Health Service (SEQOHS) standards and upholding Trust values at all times.
- To actively support the NHS People Plan and People Promise, contributing to a safe, healthy, and inclusive working environment that promotes staff wellbeing, engagement, and retention.
- To support the Head of Department in delivering a high standard of service user care and continuous service improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
Clinical Leadership & Case Management
- Conduct complex occupational health assessments (fitness for work, ill-health retirement, long-term sickness absence)
- Provide specialist medical opinions on work capability, restrictions, and adjustments
- Manage referrals involving physical, psychological, and occupational disease conditions
- Support case conferences and multidisciplinary reviews
Expert Medical Advice
- Advise HR, senior management, and stakeholders on medical aspects of employment
- Interpret clinical information in the context of workplace demands
- Provide guidance relating to:
o Equality Act 2010 (disability assessments)
o Health and Safety at Work Act
o Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
- Support complex decision-making involving risk, legal considerations, and employee wellbeing
Occupational Health Strategy & Policy
- Contribute to development of occupational health and wellbeing strategies
- Lead on clinical governance, quality standards, and service improvement
- Develop and review OH policies and procedures
- Provide input to organisational health risk management
Health Surveillance & Risk Management
- Oversee health surveillance programmes (e.g., HAVS, respiratory, noise exposure)
- Advise on occupational hazards and workplace risks
- Contribute to risk assessments and control measures
Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Provide expert input into complex mental health cases
- Support workplace stress risk assessments and mental health strategies
- Advise on rehabilitation and return-to-work planning
Education & Training
- Deliver training to managers and HR on occupational health topics
- Provide supervision and mentorship to OH nurses and junior clinicians
- Support continuing professional development within the OH team
