I am pleased to inform you that our group is growing in numbers and continues to be involved in key occupational health issues both locally and nationally. Due to discussions following our training survey Plymonth University have agreed to start running a part time OH degree course, which will entail one day a week at university instead of the current impracticable (for many) three days a week, although the full time option will still be available for those of you that can attend three days a week. Bath university are also currently developing new courses for OH practicioners and we look forward to hearing about them in more detail.

The group has played an active role in the goverements Health, Work < Wellbing stetagy and I would like to thank all of you that sent ideas to enhance the stetegy, these suggestions were handed to Dame Carol Black at a stakeholder meeting and where incorpoated in the discussions. Dame Carol Black’s review “Working for a healthier tomorrow” has now been published and was presented to the Secretaries of State for Health, Work and Pensions, Alan Johnson and James Purnell on the 17th March 2008. Some of the committee, along with other health professionals will be attending another stakeholder day in a few weeks time with Dame Carol Black to discuss the review now that it has been published, we will keep you informed of any new develops in the future.

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We are pleased to announce the website has been enhanced and would encourage you to use the discussion forum to discuss professional issues. This is an ideal way of communicating with other OH professionals and sharing best practice.

We were delighted with the positive feedback from our last study day in October and look forward to “Managing depression in the workplace” today. Martin is an excellent speaker and was enjoyed by all at his last visit to the group in 2006, so we look forward to a brilliant and interesting study day today. We have kept the venue the same to keep costs down however this is your group and we would like to meet your needs, so please let us know if you would like a change of venue. Our next study day has been booked for the 9th October 2008, the topic will be based around skin and the workplace. However we are open to suggestions for the development of the day as speakers have not yet been booked. We value your opinions and would be grateful for any feedback on how we can improve the group.

Bettina Critchley
Chair

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Dear All,

I hope that you find the articles in the lastest newsletter interesting and informative. We were delighted with the positive feedback from our last study day in October and looking forward to our next study in April. We are excited to welcome back due to popular demand Martin Davies RMN Dip.CPN on the 29th April. Martin is an excellent speaker and was enjoyed by all at his last visit to the group in 2006, when he talked to us about Strategies for Managing Workplace Stress. Feedback from the last study day was "Bring Martin back", "Brilliantly presented", "Excellent seminar", "Thought provoking", "Humorous". Martin's presentations are lively and amusing, yet contain serious messages for us all. So we look forward to a brilliant and interesting study day in April on Managing Depression in the Workplace.

The RCN Health, Work < Wellbeing stakeholder day was a great success with many new ideas discussed. Cynthia Atwell (Chair Society of Occupational Health Nursing) opened the day. Dame Carol Black gave an update on the Health, Work < Wellbeing strategy. The group then looked at where we are now and what needs to be done-strengths and barriers. Following the work groups Maura Buchanan (President of RCN) gave a presentation on "work matters". The group then discussed the proposals and how to make them happen-from theory to practice. The proposals from the day and Dame Carol Black's presentation have been posted on the website. A copy of the suggestions I received from our members was given to both Dame Carol Black and Cynthia Atwell, a copy of these suggestions can also be found on the webpage. Dame Carol Black's review I believe is set to propose big changes for workplace health, speculation is growing that there will be some radical suggestions when her review of the working health of the nation is published. A National Health at Work Service and 'health passports' for everyone of working age are all issues believed to have been under serious discussion within Whitehall. http://www.workingforhealth.gov.uk We look forward to these proposals with interest.

The results of the survey we carried out looking at OH training needs in the area are now posted on our website, thank you for taking the time to fill these questionaires in. I am pleased to inform you that due to discussions following our survey Plymonth University have agreed to start running a part time OH degree course, which will entail one day a week at university instead of the current impracticable (for many) three days a week, although the full time option will still be available. We feel that this is a really postive move forward, if you require any information about the course please contact Jenny Rafferty on jenny.rafferty@plymouth.ac.uk

I wish to take this opportunity to thank all the committee members for their continuing support of the group and would like to take this opportunity to welcome any of you as a new committee member. Being a committee member is a great networking opportunity especially if you are lone working. If you're interested in joining the committee please contact me on 01278 654 556.

I look forward to meeting you all in April, till then best wishes for the year ahead.

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