Sickness Referral Services in Preston: Expert Guidance for Employee Health & Absence Management
Vitalink Medical is the North West’s leading provider of driver and occupational health medicals. Our GMC-registered doctors, health specialists, and other medical experts provide DVLA-compliant and workplace medical services to individual and commercial clients throughout the local Preston area. We’re dedicated to keeping you and your business moving safely and efficiently, no matter the requirement.
What Are Sickness Referral Services & Why Are They Crucial for Employers?
Welcome to Vitalink Medical Preston Clinic, your trusted partner for sickness referral services in Preston and the surrounding region. For any business, managing employee absence, whether short-term or long-term, can be complex. Our expert, GMC-registered doctors provide prompt, independent medical assessments and actionable advice, empowering you to support your employees, facilitate safe returns to work, and ensure legal compliance.
We understand that timely insights are crucial for effective absence management. That’s why we offer unparalleled flexibility with appointments available 7 days a week, from 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM, minimizing disruption and providing the swift, expert guidance you need.
At Vitalink Medical, we understand the challenges employers face when addressing employee health concerns. Our Sickness Referral and Absence Management Services provide expert guidance to help you navigate complex situations, including:
- Concerns about employee performance or behaviour
- Assessing an employee’s ability to work
- Managing short-term or long-term absences
- Addressing health issues following workplace accidents or illnesses
- Evaluating employee fitness for disciplinary or other workplace meetings
Our goal is to provide professional medical advice to management, enabling you to:
- Implement appropriate workplace adjustments
- Create a safe, healthy, and productive work environment for all employees
Partner with Vitalink Medical for expert support in managing employee health challenges effectively.
Our Sickness Referral Process at Vitalink Medical Preston
Our process for sickness referrals at Vitalink Medical Preston is designed to be straightforward, swift, and effective:
Employer Referral: The employer (or HR) completes a referral form, outlining the reasons for the referral, the employee’s role, absence history, and specific questions for the occupational health professional. We encourage employers to discuss the referral with their employee prior to submission.
Employee Consultation: Our team contacts the employee directly to arrange a confidential medical assessment at our Preston clinic. Our extended hours (7:30 AM – 11:00 PM, 7 days a week) offer maximum flexibility to accommodate employee schedules.
Expert Medical Assessment: An experienced, GMC-registered Vitalink Medical doctor conducts a thorough assessment, which may include:
Review of medical history and current symptoms.
Discussion of the impact of their health on work duties.
Consideration of any treatment or rehabilitation plans.
Assessment of an employee’s functional capabilities.
Confidential Report & Actionable Advice: Following the assessment, the doctor produces a concise and actionable report for the employer (with the employee’s consent). This report typically includes:
Current fitness for work.
Prognosis for recovery or improvement.
Recommended reasonable adjustments (e.g., phased return, amended duties, workplace modifications).
Likely timeframe for return to work (if absent).
Suggestions for ongoing support or further medical input.
Answers to the specific questions posed by the employer.
We prioritize clear communication, ensuring reports are provided promptly to help you make timely decisions.
Approved Medical Providers
As a trusted medical provider for numerous local authorities across the Northwest, Vitalink Medical proudly holds multiple commercial contracts with councils. With locations in over 10 areas, we have built a solid reputation for delivering exceptional quality and outstanding customer service. When you book your medical with us, you can have complete confidence that you’re choosing an experienced and reliable provider.
Find Us in Preston
71 Garstang Road Preston PR1 1LB
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7.30AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Why Choose Vitalink Medical Preston for Sickness Referrals?
Immediate & Responsive Service: We pride ourselves on fast turnaround times, ensuring you get the medical insights you need without delay, crucial for effective absence management.
Highly Experienced GMC Doctors: Our team of qualified medical professionals specialises in occupational health, providing objective and reliable assessments.
Unparalleled Flexibility & Convenience: Our Preston clinic is open 7 days a week, from 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM (By Appointment Only). This allows your employees to attend appointments outside of peak working hours, minimizing disruption and maximising compliance.
Practical & Actionable Advice: Our reports provide clear, concise recommendations that are directly applicable to your workplace, enabling you to implement effective support and adjustments.
Supportive & Confidential Approach: We treat all employees with respect and ensure their health information is handled with the utmost confidentiality, fostering trust and engagement.
Local Preston Expertise: Located centrally we are easily accessible for businesses and employees across the local area, offering a convenient and reliable local service.
FAQs
What is a sickness referral and when should I make one?
A sickness referral is an occupational health assessment for an employee where their health might be affecting their ability to work, or vice versa. You should consider one for long-term absence, frequent short-term absence, concerns about health impacting performance, or to advise on return to work.
Does the employee have to consent to a sickness referral?
Yes, an employee’s informed consent is required for the occupational health assessment to proceed. We encourage open communication between employer and employee about the referral’s purpose.
What kind of information will I receive in the report?
The report will provide medical opinion on fitness for work, prognosis, recommendations for workplace adjustments, and answers to your specific questions. It will focus on work capabilities, not detailed medical diagnoses, respecting employee confidentiality.
How quickly can an employee be seen at your Preston clinic?
We pride ourselves on offering immediate and fast referrals. Given our extended hours (7 days a week, 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM), we can often accommodate appointments very quickly, minimizing waiting times.
Can Vitalink Medical help with phased return-to-work plans?
Yes, our reports frequently include detailed recommendations for phased returns, adjusted duties, or other reasonable adjustments to support a safe and successful reintegration into the workplace.
Is the service confidential?
Yes, all medical information discussed during the assessment is strictly confidential between the employee and the occupational health professional. The employer only receives a report focused on fitness for work and recommendations, not sensitive medical details, with the employee’s consent.
Ready to get your medical sorted? Don’t delay!