If you are an employer or employee searching for a private GP occupational health medical in London, understanding what these assessments involve and why they matter can save considerable time, money, and uncertainty. In my practice at Clinique Alpa in Palmers Green, I carry out occupational health medicals for businesses across North London and beyond. These assessments help employers make informed decisions about fitness to work, reasonable adjustments, and return to work planning. Whether you need a pre employment medical, a fitness to work certificate, or a detailed occupational health report following an injury or illness, I provide thorough, independent assessments that satisfy both employer and employee needs.
What Is a Private GP Occupational Health Medical in London?
An occupational health medical is a clinical assessment carried out by a doctor to evaluate an individual’s fitness for a specific role. Unlike a standard GP appointment, it focuses on the relationship between the person’s health and the demands of their job. The assessment considers physical capability, mental health, chronic conditions, medications, and any workplace adjustments that might be needed.
These medicals serve several purposes. Employers use them to ensure that a new hire is physically and mentally capable of performing the role safely. They are also used to assess employees returning from long term sickness, to determine whether a health condition amounts to a disability under the Equality Act 2010, and to provide recommendations for workplace adjustments. For employees, the medical provides documented evidence of their health status and any limitations that their employer should accommodate.
Under UK employment law, employers have a duty of care to protect the health and safety of their staff. NICE guidelines (NG146) recommend that employers provide access to occupational health services to support employees with health conditions at work. A private GP occupational health medical in London ensures that this duty is met promptly, without the delays that often accompany NHS or corporate occupational health referrals.
Types of Occupational Health Assessments I Provide
At Clinique Alpa, I offer a range of occupational health assessments tailored to the needs of both employers and employees. These include:
Pre Employment Health Assessments
Carried out after a conditional job offer has been made, these assessments confirm that the candidate is fit to undertake the role. I review the candidate’s medical history, current health status, and any conditions that might affect their ability to perform the job safely. If adjustments are needed, I outline these clearly in my report.
Fitness to Work Assessments
When an employee has been absent due to illness or injury, a fitness to work assessment helps determine when and how they can return. I assess their current functional capacity, consider the demands of their role, and make recommendations about phased returns, modified duties, or workplace adjustments.
Management Referral Assessments
Employers can refer employees for an occupational health assessment when there are concerns about health affecting work performance, frequent absences, or a complex medical situation. I provide an independent clinical opinion and a structured report addressing the employer’s specific questions.
Health Surveillance
Certain industries require regular health surveillance under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002. This includes audiometry for noise exposed workers, spirometry for those working with respiratory sensitisers, and skin checks for workers handling chemical agents. I can arrange these assessments at the clinic or discuss on site arrangements for larger employers.
Driver Medicals
HGV, PSV, and taxi drivers require periodic medical examinations to maintain their licences. I carry out DVLA Group 2 medicals, assessing vision, cardiovascular health, neurological function, and general fitness. These assessments follow the DVLA’s published medical standards and are completed with the appropriate D4 medical examination report.
Executive Health Screening
For senior staff and company directors, I provide comprehensive health screening packages that go beyond standard occupational health. These typically include cardiovascular risk assessment, blood tests, cancer markers, and lifestyle counselling.
From Our Practice: Supporting a Driver Through Injury Recovery
I recently examined a patient who worked as a long distance driver. He had been involved in a road traffic accident and sustained a whiplash injury with neck and upper back pain. His job involved driving for up to 15 hours at a time and unloading heavy pallets. The injury had forced him onto modified light duties, and he had already taken 2 days off work.
During the examination, I assessed his cervical spine and found tenderness over the trapezius muscles. A positive Spurling’s test suggested nerve root irritation. His range of motion was reduced, particularly in rotation and lateral flexion. He was managing his pain with over the counter analgesics but had not yet had any formal physiotherapy.
As part of his assessment, I provided a detailed occupational health report outlining his functional limitations, an expected recovery timeline of approximately 3 months, and recommended workplace adjustments. These included restricting driving to no more than 4 hours per shift for the first 6 weeks, exemption from manual loading and unloading duties, regular breaks every 90 minutes to mobilise his neck, and a phased return to full duties guided by symptom improvement.
I also recommended a referral for physiotherapy to accelerate his recovery and reduce the risk of chronic pain. This type of assessment is exactly what employers need to support their staff through injury recovery. It provides a clear, evidence based framework that protects both the employee and the employer.
Without a structured occupational health report, employers are often left guessing about when an employee can return and what duties are safe. This can lead to employees returning too early and reinjuring themselves, or staying off work longer than necessary because there is no clinical guidance on modified duties.
Why Employers Choose Private Occupational Health Assessments
Many employers rely on their employees’ NHS GPs for fit notes and medical opinions. While NHS GPs are excellent generalists, they are often limited by appointment length and may not have detailed knowledge of the employee’s specific job demands. A fit note stating “may be fit for work with amended duties” is helpful but lacks the specificity that employers need to make practical decisions.
A private GP occupational health medical in London provides a more detailed assessment. I take time to understand the specific job role, its physical and cognitive demands, and the employer’s questions. My reports are structured to answer the questions that HR departments and line managers actually need answered: Can this person do their job safely? If not, when can they return? What adjustments are needed? Is the condition likely to recur?
Turnaround time is another factor. NHS occupational health referrals can take weeks or even months. At Clinique Alpa, I can typically see employees within 3 to 5 working days of referral, with the written report delivered within 48 hours of the assessment. For urgent cases, same day appointments are often available. Call 020 8882 8088 to discuss your requirements.
What Employers Receive in the Report
Every occupational health report I produce follows a structured format. The report includes:
- A summary of the employee’s current health status (shared with the employee’s written consent)
- An assessment of their functional capacity in relation to their specific job role
- An opinion on whether their condition is likely to be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010
- Recommendations for workplace adjustments, including timescales
- An expected recovery timeline where applicable
- Guidance on phased return to work where appropriate
- Any recommendations for further investigation, treatment, or specialist referral
The report is written in clear, accessible language that non medical readers can understand. I avoid unnecessary jargon and focus on practical recommendations. If you need medical reports for legal, insurance, or employment purposes, my reports are written to the standards expected by solicitors, insurers, and employment tribunals.
The Legal Framework: What Employers Need to Know
Occupational health assessments operate within a specific legal framework. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to carry out risk assessments, including those relating to individual health.
The Equality Act 2010 protects employees with disabilities from discrimination and requires employers to make reasonable adjustments. An occupational health medical helps employers understand their obligations and make informed decisions. It also protects employers from claims of discrimination by demonstrating that they sought independent medical advice before making employment decisions.
Under GDPR and the Access to Medical Reports Act 1988, employees must give written consent before their medical information is shared with their employer. I always obtain informed consent before carrying out a management referral assessment and ensure that the employee understands what information will be included in the report.
How the Process Works
The process for arranging an occupational health medical at Clinique Alpa is straightforward.
Step 1: The employer or employee contacts us to discuss the assessment needed. This can be done by calling 020 8882 8088 or by booking an occupational health assessment through our website.
Step 2: The employer provides a referral form outlining the employee’s role, the reason for referral, and any specific questions they want addressed. I provide a template referral form if needed.
Step 3: The employee attends the assessment. I explain the process, obtain consent, and carry out a thorough clinical examination relevant to the referral questions.
Step 4: I produce a written report, typically within 48 hours. The employee receives a copy at the same time as the employer, in line with good practice and the Access to Medical Reports Act.
Step 5: If follow up is needed, I can arrange review appointments, further investigations, or referrals to specialists through our GP services.
Industries and Roles I Commonly Assess
I carry out occupational health medicals for employees across a wide range of industries. Common referrals come from:
- Transport and logistics (HGV drivers, delivery drivers, warehouse operatives)
- Construction and manual trades (builders, electricians, plumbers)
- Education (teachers, teaching assistants, support staff)
- Healthcare (nurses, carers, allied health professionals)
- Office based roles (where mental health, musculoskeletal conditions, or display screen equipment issues are relevant)
- Food handling and catering (where food hygiene medicals may be required)
- Security and emergency services
Whatever the industry, the fundamental question remains the same: can this person do their job safely, and if not, what needs to change?
Traffic Light Guide: When to Request an Occupational Health Referral
GREEN: Monitor Internally
Short term absence of fewer than 7 days for common illnesses (colds, minor infections). Employee has returned to full duties without difficulty. Standard return to work conversation with line manager is sufficient.
AMBER: Consider an Occupational Health Referral
Absence exceeding 2 weeks, recurring short term absences (3 or more episodes in 6 months), employee struggling to perform duties after returning, mental health concerns affecting performance, or a new diagnosis of a chronic condition. An occupational health assessment provides clarity and a structured plan.
RED: Urgent Occupational Health Assessment Needed
Workplace injury requiring fitness to work assessment, employee reporting safety critical symptoms (seizures, blackouts, severe dizziness) in a safety critical role, potential disability under the Equality Act where reasonable adjustments must be identified before decisions are made, or any situation where the employer is considering dismissal on health grounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Private Occupational Health Medical Cost in London?
The cost depends on the type and complexity of the assessment. Pre employment medicals and fitness to work assessments are priced differently from detailed management referral reports. I provide a clear quote before the appointment so there are no unexpected charges. Call 020 8882 8088 for pricing specific to your needs.
Can an Employee Refuse an Occupational Health Assessment?
Yes. Occupational health assessments require the employee’s consent. However, employers should be aware that if an employee refuses, they may need to make employment decisions based on the information available to them, which could be less favourable for the employee. I always explain the process clearly and ensure employees understand that the assessment is designed to support them.
How Long Does an Occupational Health Assessment Take?
A standard assessment takes between 30 and 45 minutes. More complex cases, such as those involving multiple health conditions or detailed functional assessments, may take up to 60 minutes. I ensure there is enough time to carry out a thorough examination and discuss findings with the employee.
Will the Report Include My Full Medical History?
No. The report only includes information relevant to the referral questions and the employee’s fitness for their specific role. Detailed diagnoses are shared only with the employee’s explicit consent. The report focuses on functional capacity and practical recommendations rather than a comprehensive medical summary.
Can I Arrange Occupational Health Assessments for Multiple Employees?
Absolutely. I work with businesses of all sizes and can arrange batch assessments for multiple employees. For larger organisations, I can discuss on site arrangements or regular clinic slots dedicated to your workforce. Contact us to discuss corporate arrangements.