Developing a model for occupational health provision in primary care.

This is a report of a survey commissioned by Newcastle and North Tyne Health Authority. The aim of the project was to assess the occupational health needs of both GPs and their staff working in the General Practice in Newcastle and North Tyneside. The aim of the survey has been to obtain information about occupational health needs from general practitioners and their practice managers. The survey design has been a cross-sectional study using questionnaires and practice visits. The information obtained from the practice managers was validated by visits to selected practices. The visits also facilitated a qualitative assessment of occupational health arrangements, training needs and issues that might be important in determining an appropriate model for a primary care-based occupational health service. The results of the needs analysis have shown both general support for an occupational health service and priority areas for such a service. The challenge will be to develop a service that delivers targeted occupational health in a way that is acceptable to all members of staff working in general practice. The service should be seen as a developing service, initially focused to provide a dual role. There will be a core occupational health service for all staff, including GPs, and a specialist service designed to meet the specific identified needs. There will be an opportunity to include the service in an overarching occupational health service within the Tyne and Wear area.