Over the past 20 years, we have grown to become one of the country’s largest Occupational Health teams. Our specialists include:
- Medical consultants who are members of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine
- Specialist Occupational Health doctors
- Occupational Health musculoskeletal specialists
- Specialist Community Public Health Nurses
- In-house counsellors, skilled at working with teams as well as individuals
Who we work with
We specialise in supporting organisations that provide essential services across Bristol and the surrounding counties (including Avon, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire).
“We are proud to offer a service that helps people stay healthy and productive in their place of work or study”.
Health and Social care sector
We are the occupational health provider for the North Bristol NHS Trust, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation and Sirona care & health.
Supporting hospital staff through the pandemic
“We have been working with APOHS for the past 20 years. They provide the responsive, reliable occupational health support any frontline service could need, and their large, multi-skilled team can flex to respond to our changing needs”. A good example of this was the COVID-19 pandemic, when the APOHS team became an integral part of our operational response. They quickly set up an advice line for our staff, extending their hours to seven days a week as well as evenings. The APOHS risk assessment framework enabled us to identify employees most at risk of infection, and their senior clinicians joined our internal meetings to advise us on ways to protect the health of our workforce. We could not fault the service they provide and would definitely recommend them to any other organisation providing essential services.”
North Bristol NHS Trust
Education sector
We support both staff and students at the University of Bristol, the University of the West of England (UWE) and University Centre Somerset (UCS). We also support many of the local schools across Bristol,
A first class service for university students and staff
“Avon Partnership Occupational Health Service have been our chosen occupational health provider for over 18 years. They provide a very reliable, professional and responsive service. One aspect of their service is to enable students to fulfil their training and practice placement requirements, providing OH assessments, vaccinations and regular on-site clinics. As an NHS provider they have the skills and experience to support our requirements. We would have no hesitation recommending them – it’s a first-class service.”
University of West of England
Other essential services
We have provided services to over 100 employers in our region, supporting over 80,000 employees. Many of our clients provide essential services, such as councils, utilities, waste management and transport services. Our current clients include Wessex Water, Bristol Waste and Bristol Water.
Being there for Wessex Water
“Avon Partnership Occupational Health Service (APOHS) have been our chosen occupational health provider for over 22 years and have consistently provided a reliable, professional, onsite service. We have two specialist nurses that work onsite, as well as a dedicated screening nurse who provides health surveillance and health screening at our sites in Bath, Yeovil, Trowbridge and Poole. The team take a proactive approach, ensuring a consistent high level of service, support, and guidance. The team understand our varied business requirements and have the skills and experience to work across multiple sites, disciplines and workplace risks. We would have no hesitation recommending them to other utility companies in Bristol and the surrounding area.
Case study – Supporting staff through the aftermath of the Avonmouth explosion
On the morning of December 3rd, one of the silos at Wessex Water’s Avonmouth Sewage Treatment Works exploded. It was a fatal accident, killing four people and injuring one other. The HR Director called the APOHS team soon after accident and two occupational health nurses were on site almost straight away. When they arrived, the Emergency Services team were still dealing with the blast and staff members were clearly in shock. Some had directly witnessed the blast and were keen to talk to the occupational health nurses; others were shell-shocked and needed time alone. The team spent the day and the evening talking to people so they knew there was someone they could talk to and that there was support available. They remained onsite every day for weeks afterwards, and still visit at least once a month to be there for anyone who needs us.
In the weeks that followed the accident, the occupational health team recruited an excellent trauma counsellor, who has been an important and ongoing source of support. “It’s been an honour to build relationships with the Wessex Water staff whose lives were directly affected by the incident,” says our lead occupational health nurse. “Building a trusting, steady presence has encouraged people to feel comfortable asking for help and even come forward to seek support for unconnected mental health issues.”
APOHS occupational health nurse
Other testimonials
APOHS has been providing a service to our GP Practices for many years. The service is easy to access and the staff are very helpful.
APOHS have been our chosen occupational health provider for over 20 years, providing a knowledgeable and reliable service to us. They are helpful and responsive to any queries we may have.
Who we help – People being offered a new job. What we do – health assessment. The outcome– An employer/manager is assured that an employee (or prospective employee) can do their role safely, considering any health issues or disabilities they may have. This type of check is often required for people doing work that involves driving, healthcare work, refuse collection, for example. When someone with a disability or health condition is recruited, their employer/manager can check they can do the role they have been offered effectively, and whether any work and/or workplace adjustments need to be put in place.
Who we help- Employees exposed to hazards at work, for instance, chemicals, noise or vibration. What we do- Education and training & Health surveillance. The outcome- Employees have a good understanding of the health hazards and risks that could affect them, and the steps they need to take to protect their health. We can pick up any changes in someone’s health early, so we can identify any workplace issues that maybe impacting someone’s health. This will lead to an investigation into the cause of the issue and recommendations for protective measures in the workplace.
Who we help- Employees exposed to infection risks. What we do- Immunisation and medicines. The outcome- Groups of employees who are at risk of being exposed to infections are better protected. This applies to people in jobs such as care or social care work and prison staff.
Who we help- Employees with a work-related health concern . What we do- Consultation. The outcome- We help employees understand and manage work- related health issues, such as stress at work or muscular skeletal problems (for instance back pain).
Who we help- Employees with a health condition. What we do- Health assessment. The outcome- We recommend adjustments that can be made to someone’s work pattern or work environment that will enable them to continue working effectively. These adjustments could be temporary or permanent.
Who we help- Employees who are on long-term sick leave . What we do- Case management & health assessment. The outcome- We help establish the fastest way to support someone through their recovery and return to work, incorporating the views of the employee and their doctor and manager. This may mean recommending changes to someone’s job or working schedule. We help establish whether ‘ill-health retirement’ can be offered, when someone’s health condition fits the medical criteria set within an employer’s pension fund rules, and it is in the best interest of an employee.
Who we help- All employees. What we do- Health promotion. The outcome– We can help all employees understand ways they can prioritise their health and live healthier lifestyles.
Who we help- Managers & employees. What we do- Professional advice line. The outcome– We are on hand to help managers and employees who are dealing with issues of health at work.