SKC Occupational Health
News
We have rounded up a few articles that provide news on current occupational health topics, health tips, and more …..
Seen In
2023 June
As a proud Menopause Specialist (Completed the British Menopause Society Foundation Certificate for nurses), I am excited to share the launch of BSI (British Standards Institute).
You can read their full statement here. In summary …
How can BS 30416 help support menstrual and menopausal health in the workplace?
BS 30416 is a free, practical toolkit for businesses of all sizes and sectors.
Developed by experts in the field of menstruation, menopause, HR and occupational health and academics, this document aims to help organizations identify the misconceptions around menstruation and menopause. It also identifies the impact of stigma surrounding these topics on workplace cultures and support.
This standard helps businesses to take action to make their workplace more inclusive. BS 30416 contains examples of actions and adjustments that can be taken to improve employees’ wellbeing. Examples of these include:
- Physical aspects of work
- Policy guidance and practices
- Supportive workplace cultures
- Work design
- Inclusivity
- Evaluation and metrics
There are also practical annexes with checklists and tools to use such as:
- Tips for having confidential conversations
- Conversation topics and potential workplace adjustments based on symptoms
- Team management considerations
- Ideas for facilitating culture change
- Training considerations
- Further reading
The guidance will be especially useful to individuals within businesses who are responsible for managing employee workload, well-being, or the work environment.
I’ve previously written a blog post on this topic here. If you would like support for your workspace, please reach out and contact Su Chantry here and we can start a conversation.
2023 March
YES work alongside healthcare professionals around the world to support the intimate health challenges of women. YES actively seeks to educate and normalise the conversation around vaginal dryness, whether it’s due to breastfeeding, menopause, medication, or because that is normal for your body.
Susi and Sarah the founders, set out to bring solutions to address the underserved intimate health and well-being sector. Made for people who want effective intimate products without the compromise of introducing harsh chemicals.
Here at the hub, we have a range of YES samples for my clients to try to help keep your vaginas happy, YES VM and WB are both registered medical devices and are available on the NHS drug tariff.
All the products are certified organic, designed to be side-effect free, and do not contain hormones, parabens, glycerine, silicone, or known skin irritants making them uniquely safe to use before, during, and after menopause as well as after cancer treatment
The samples available at the clinic are …
YES WB water-based personal lubricant works as an excellent lubricant and moisturiser. It is made from plant polymers that hold water and carry it to the dry vaginal tissue it can be used freely & frequently to rehydrate dry vaginal tissues. YES WB is available on prescription from the NHS in the UK.
YES VM vaginal moisturiser is a safe long-term solution to Vaginal Dryness (Atrophic Vaginitis often reported in peri and post-menopause) . It offers instant relief from itching and soreness. It is designed to release water to rehydrate dry vaginal tissues as needed, over extended periods, such as 1-3 days. YES VM is a slow-release moisturiser . YES VM is available on prescription from the NHS and is compatible with latex and Polyisoprene condoms.
YES OB plant-oil-based personal lubricant is a stronger more long-lasting lubricant than YES WB. YES OB contains oils, cocoa, and shea butter that feed the dry tissues and also can coat the lining of the vagina helping to soothe and calm sore and thinning tissue and can help to heal damaged, inflamed and broken skin. YES OB also helps to relieve the discomfort caused by various skin conditions like Lichen Sclerosis, vulval eczema, and psoriasis. Additionally, YES OB is used extensively by Women’s Health Physiotherapists for internal massage and trigger release work in patients with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. Many women also use this product to act as a protective barrier for mild incontinence or if sensitive to chlorine or salt water when swimming. It can be applied externally as often as necessary.
More information is here https://www.yesyesyes.org/pages/well-being-hub
Contact Su Chantry here if you’d like to know more
15th March 2023
Occupational Health at the centre of the Budget’s workplace health reforms
Occupational health (OH) specialists welcome the spring Budget announcement stating OH should be at the heart of helping employees with health issues at work, avoiding their drop out of work. This is a positive ‘first step’ – 600,000 people have become economically inactive since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic at an estimated cost of £150bn to the economy.
OH professionals are qualified doctors, nurses or other health professionals who have undergone additional training on health in the workplace. OH targets those most at risk of dropping out of work, such as people with ongoing health issues, offering specialist support and guidance.
The Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) and Commercial Occupational Health Providers Association (COHPA) say that businesses are now better placed to invest in proven evidenced-based ways to support the health of their workforce. Placing OH as leading in this area reflects the need for an evidence-based and targeted approach to improving health at work, which OH provides.
Most large businesses offer OH, but small businesses have been five times less likely to offer OH so less than half of all UK employees have access. SOM and COHPA welcome the plan to expand a subsidy pilot scheme, so small businesses in particular can better able to seek professional expertise from OH specialists, but access needs to be universal to all.
Dr Shriti Pattani, President of SOM, said: “The Occupational Health sector welcomes the Budget announcement to help improve workplace health. Occupational health expertise at the heart of workplace health is a game-changer in that it helps avoid health-related inactivity. Specialist OH providers are ready to deliver what is needed. However, what would really move the dial to tackle economic inactivity is universal access to OH and we would like to see the Government state its aim to achieve this ambition”
SKC OH Ltd is a member of COHPA which today launched its Introduction to Occupational Health for SMEs to help steer employers in the right direction, building on SOM’s document on mental health support in the workplace, which it produced with the Federation of Small Business.
Alan Ballard, Chair of COHPA, said: “Without occupational health guidance, businesses may unintentionally waste their investment on “wellness programmes” and “general health checks”, which have little impact on workforce drop-outs. We are launching an introductory guide to help inform businesses. OH can significantly boost productivity and bottom lines as OH expertise is at the centre of preventing workforce drop-outs.”
Su Chantry at the OH Hub welcomes enquiries from those who need information. Links to OH
providers are on the SOM and COHPA websites. Please feel free to contact Su Chantry here.
2022 December
Did you know the HSE has issued some updated guidance in relation to an employer’s duty of safety? Here is the quick download – HSE inspectors will visit construction sites across England, Scotland, and Wales to check that workers’ health is being protected from the risks associated with moving and handling materials. They will look for evidence of employers and workers:
- Knowing the risks
- Planning their work
- Using sensible control measures
YOUR LEGAL DUTIES
As an employer, you must protect your workers and others affected by their work activity from getting hurt or ill through work. If you don’t, you could get verbal or written advice, an improvement or prohibition notice, or be prosecuted by HSE or your local authority.
Get in touch with us here if you need Occupational Health to assist you in controlling and managing the risks.
The evolution of Occupational Health
2022 November
SKC OH Ltd recognises the importance of innovation in Occupational Health in ensuring that quality health at work is delivered. Check out this latest article.
2022 November
First For Safety Oxfordshire
Covid testing partnership
Su Chantry is thrilled to announce a Covid testing service partnership with the Effect Dr team. Su and the Effect Drs group have partnered to offer you a streamlined Covid -19 rapid test service. As we move into Government authorised rapid tests for travel we are able to offer you a user-friendly streamlined app-based service to meet your travel testing requirements. at half the cost of the Lab PCR tests.
+RAPID TEST KIT POSTED TO YOU AT NO CHARGE
+PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLAND EVALUATED
+PROVIDERS ON GOVERNMENTS LIST
+INCLUDES DOCTORS CERTIFICATE ISSUED 12 HOURS FROM TEST
+UKAS ACCREDITED
+CE MARKED TEST
+FOREIGN TRAVEL
+CQC CERTIFIED
+PRE TRAVEL AND DAY 2 RAPID TESTS ALL VERIFIED BY A USER-FRIENDLY APP
For enquires please click here.
Video Feature
A reflection by Su Chantry and her colleagues on working in the Covid pandemic.
Podcast
Formula Woman – Isla Mackenzie
We are so excited to share this interview with Isla, who is a motorsport engineering graduate.
She is entered into an all-female racing competition called Formula Woman, which is aimed at ladies who have little to no racing experience. 6 winners will be professionally coached early next year and win a fully sponsored drive in a McLaren GT4 in the 2022 GT Cup championship. SKC occupational health is proud to be sponsoring and supporting Isla’s health in her journey through this competition.
Achieving Accreditation As A Small Company
QI
Covid News
13th April 2021
As of 17th May 2021, the new system will see destinations categorised into green, amber, and red lists. Each of which will have different quarantine requirements – but testing will be essential for all.
Covid News
19th April 2021
I’m donating 10% of all covid swab charges to a fund raiser for a public health project in Gambia
Covid News
1st April 2021
As of Thursday 1st April, the following countries were on the red list:
Angola, Argentina, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Eswatini, Ethiopia, French Guiana, Guyana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Suriname, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
It was announced last week that from 0400 on Friday 9th April Bangladesh, Kenya, Pakistan and the Philippines would be added to the red list. Arrivals from these countries after 0400 on Friday 9th are not allowed to use privately provided tests and must book a Managed Quarantine Facility package.
Covid News
5th JANUARY 2021
Virus Tests Conducted
Daily – 498,624
Last 7 days – 3,129,297 (+18.7%)
Covid News
Up to September 2020 clinicians in the UK have conducted a total of 1,546,584 antibody tests which includes both the instant (fingerstick) and lab (venous) tests https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/
Both of which are used in the Covid -19 testing undertaken by SKC OH Hub clinicians.
observe magazine
Keeping races running, keeping racing safe
Flu Vaccinations
Flu vaccinations will provide protection against the unpredictable nature of the influenza virus in vulnerable groups such as older people, pregnant women, those with underlying medical conditions.
Offering the flu vaccination to your workers will increase their level of protection against the disease and reduce the potential cost of absence to your organisation.
The changing nature of the influenza virus means that the strains will change from year to year and the vaccinations are developed to deliver resistance against these new strains. An annual Flu vaccination is therefore recommended for employees as any previous resistance will decrease as the virus changes.
SKC Occupational Health can deliver these vaccinations on site to your organisation. Employees only need to leave their work for a few minutes to attend the on-site flu clinic. Clinic times can be organised according to the needs of your business.
Flu vaccination vouchers are also available for an organisation to purchase from SKC Occupational Health. These can be given to employees so they can access the flu vaccination at specified outlets if holding a flu clinic is not convenient for an organisation or for employees who are unable to attend the on-site clinic.
Williams F1 TV
The Sunday Times
Read on to find about Su’s nursing work as featured in The Day in The Life in The Sunday Times.
The Independent
Flu Vaccine Demand High
Personnel Today
Attending Formula One races is something I never imagined I would be doing as an OH nurse.
Libby Morley our mental health hub expert writes about PPE for mental health following coronavirus
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH JOURNAL
Read about how occupational health can help an employee return to work with a neurological disorder
COVID 19 Support
Su Chantry returned to critical care ward work during the Covid -19 Pandemic ….
Supporting the NHS during Covid -19
Williams F1 TV
Return to work after the pandemic lockdown, a toolkit for employers and employees.
workplace physiotherapy
Listen to our hub expert physiotherapist Claire Bowen Henson talk what workplace physiotherapy can offer …
SO, YOU ARE PROBABLY THINKING
How can we help?
We have a range of highly qualified and professional clinicians as part of the team. Together we evaluate your needs from educating your team to creating the optimum healthy environment for them to work in. Plus everything else in between. For a full list of all (there is a very long list) of what we offer, check out our services page here. This includes the latest on national seasonal awareness campaigns, including any educational workshops or seminars that are available.
However, as we said before, we are the experts, and you may need some guidance on finding the right solution for your particular needs. Below are the three main areas we support people.
Workplace Health
Advice
Surveillance
Mental
Health
HAPPY CLIENTS EQUALS
Kind Words!
Megan Hall
HR Manager Double R Racing, Woking
Su has well and truly become a part of our team over the past 12 months. COVID-19 has thrown all sorts of hurdles our way as a race team, and Su has remained my point of calm, reason, and clarity throughout the process. We haven't missed a beat thanks to her resourcefulness and willingness to help. I cannot praise her service enough, nothing is ever too much trouble and it is a continued pleasure to work with and learn from her.
Thank you Su, you've kept the wheels turning at Double R Racing throughout this pandemic.
Alison Ho
Director, Byrnes Dental Lab, Oxfordshire
Highly professional experience from enquiry to completion. Su was incredibly helpful with any questions in the preparation and ran a full day clinic for our team like clockwork. A particularly reassuring experience under the current circumstances.
Tom McCulloch
Director Community First Oxfordshire Oxford
SKC has provided expert advice when we have needed it; well-considered, easy to digest and attuned to our specific feeds. We’ve been impressed with Su and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her services.
Sarah Caruso
HR Director Classico Marble Ltd. Slough
We spent a long time finding the right Occupation Health Service to support our business and our staff. We hit the jackpot with SKC and Su! As a small business we needed someone who fitted in with our workforce and day to day business activities. We really appreciate the no nonsense straight to the point advice which is honest but invaluable. Su’s approach is supportive and informative to all involved and the team look forward to her visits. We consider Su part of our team and know that our staff’s health is being monitored and we are being given expert advice on health risk management.
Cait Morrison
Finn Black Ltd .London
SKC Occupational Health delivers a very high standard of service. Su Chantry is very responsive to all communication, and has always supplied us with a full range of information about the tests or vaccines we have required. Medical appointments with Su are dealt with professionally and empathically, she is great at putting people at their ease. We will continue to use SKC Occupational Health in future, and would recommend very highly to others.
Andrew Knight & Family
Su Chantry is three paired things: Real Empathy and Caring; Real Expertise and Skill; Real Professionalism and Organisation.
Tom Clark BSc (Hons), MSc, SENr
Performance Coach
Reducing stressful scenarios from an athlete's life is imperative for subsequent performance & recovery. When it comes to vaccinations, testing of blood markers & other clinical testing, situations can often become very high stress very easily & this is something I have to be very wary of when it comes to testing my athletes.
Su's skill set, professionalism & client care is second to none & never have I had my athletes feel more at ease & satisfied with the whole experience. As a consequence, she's always my first port of call when it comes to clinical testing.
Learn more about what we do and how we do it,
get in touch.
If you have any questions or want to make an enquiry about any of our services please fill out the form and send it in to us.
We are a small business but we aim to get back to you within 1-2 business days.
Thanks Su
Office Hours:
Monday to Thursday // 9 am-5 pm
Friday // 9 am -1 pm
Contact Number: 01235 606080