Making an occupational health referral: advice for managers

This guidance is for managers. If you're an employee, there is guidance on how to ask for a referral to our occupational health service.

An occupational health (OH) referral is a request for an occupational health assessment. Managers can make referrals to help employees who are experiencing health problems affecting their work.

Where to make a referral

You can make a referral on the Meddbase occupational health website.

The website is only accessible to those with people management responsibilities. If you do not have access, contact wellbeing@essex.gov.uk to receive an access code.  

Check you have the correct details

To start a referral, you must confirm that you have the correct information on the employee.

You will need to provide the employee's:

• title
• first and last name
• mobile phone number
• work email address
• date of birth
• home address

All details are must be accurate before continuing with the referral. It is your responsibility to check that any details on Meddbase website are correct.

Explain why you are making a referral

In a Microsoft Word document, explain in detail why you are making a referral. You should follow the guidance on making a good referral.

Attach the Word document to the referral. 

You must also upload a copy of the occupational health consent form (PDF, 91KB).

Choose a video or telephone consultation

You can choose to arrange either a video or telephone consultation as part of the referral process.

For a telephone appointment, choose 'OH Advisor Management Referral’'

For a video call appointment on Microsoft Teams, choose 'OHA Management Referral – Video Consultation'.

Book an appointment with an occupational health advisor

On the last page of the online referral form, select the ‘book appointment now’ button.

Select a suitable time and date that the employee can attend. You do not need to choose a preferred site and clinician.

Once you've confirmed the appointment, you and the employee will be sent a notification confirming the appointment details.

If you need further help to complete this step, follow the referrer appointment booking guide (PDF, 407KB).

Get support

The Innovate Healthcare helpline is available for people teams and referring line managers. You can use it to:

• discuss case related queries
• get assistance on how to use the portal
• provide specialist expert advice in relation to making a referral

Call 0161 527 7405 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Queries can also be raised by emailing OH@innovatehmg.co.uk.

For technical queries, email support@innovatehmg.co.uk.