Re: A tonic GPs don't want

Business Daily, Feb 27: While I agree with Dr Peter Crouch that issuing Sick Notes is best left to GPs, as an Occupational Health (OH) Nurse with over 30 years experience, I cannot let pass his remarks that OH professionals cannot remain impartial.

OH staff are employed for their professional and specialist qualifications and experience, which includes professional ethics and integrity. In some sense they are agents of the firms which employ them!

The observation of medical confidentiality is paramount. Only with the written consent of the employee is medical information sought from a GP or consultant, and only with the employee's knowledge and consent is relevant information passed to management.

OHS staff frequently have to tell management what they do not wish to hear, especially if the employer seeks to use ill health as a short cut to dismissal, rather than follow the time consuming, statutory disciplinary procedures.

OH staff do not seek to replace the GP. On the contrary, in my experience I have usually enjoyed good co-operation with GPs and consultants to find the best solution for their patient, and have always maintained a completely impartial stance regarding advice to management.

I would be happy to discuss these matters in more depth with Dr Crouch, should he feel it helpful.

(Mrs) SUE CONSTABLE RGN (RET'D)

Opthalmic Nursing Diploma

Occupational Health Nursing Certificate

Founder of the first Swindon Occupational Health Nurses' Group (1977)

Stratton St Margaret