Behind the scenes of Occupational Health: Susan Stirling’s Journey

What does a typical workday look like for you at Medigold Health?

As a remote working OHA carrying out management consultations, the diary management team manages my workday schedule. I work full-time from Monday to Friday and have a pre-booked diary of appointments. I carry out nine consultations a day, covering a broad spectrum of employees undertaking various roles. The consultation can be undertaken either via telephone, MST or video consultation. I will also carry out triage duties where possible and provide peer support to newer colleagues using online platforms.   The day can also include administrative tasks, such as reviewing reports or responding to employee feedback.

Are there any specific challenges or exciting aspects of your role that stand out?

I love the diverse nature of my role and that every appointment can bring something new or different. I find this exciting and interesting and am always keen to find out the situation surrounding the case. This can be challenging in some respects, but it allows you to enhance your knowledge and skills and approach each case individually.  

Can you share a memorable or rewarding moment from your recent experiences at Medigold Health?

I only recently joined Medigold Health in August 2023, and I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoy my role! I am part of an amazing team where we provide each other with excellent peer support, have an MST group chat for professional advice, and share questions with each other. We are also led by an amazing team manager, Hayley Betteridge, and she has single-handedly made my experience at the company amazing so far.

How do you maintain a work-life balance while working in the occupational health sector?

As I mentioned before, a structured work-life balance is important, particularly if you are a remote worker. I am super focused during working hours, and a dedicated workspace is very important. Alongside excellent communication skills with other colleagues, time management and organisational skills are crucial too and enable me to carry out my role timeously, allowing a good work-life balance. It is also important to be flexible, as is the case in any area of nursing; there may be occasions when the company’s business needs require extra time from you, or you may have to help with areas such as triage, which I think is reasonable. 

Are there any specific tips or advice you would give to someone interested in a similar career path?

I have worked in many different areas of nursing during my career, which has allowed me to develop transferable knowledge and skills, and I have now worked in OH for around six years.   OH is an ever-evolving specialty, and I would highly recommend this career path to any of my nursing/medical colleagues. It allows for a good work-life balance, no more night shifts (!) and allows you to utilise your clinical knowledge and judgement in an autonomous manner. However, there is always the help and support of other colleagues and clinicians as and when required.   

I feel that OH is now at the forefront of many agendas, with the government now recognising the need for our services and announcing a ’bold vision for the future’ for OH. It is an exciting time to get into the industry, and I would advise that if you are interested in a similar career path, then now is the time.