Medacs Healthcare's clinical lead of Occupational Health, Liz Collins, provides an insight into her career path and experience working in this fascinating role - read her story below.
Nursing, in one form or another, has always played a huge part in my life. I knew from an early age that I wanted to make a difference to people lives and I’m so happy that I’ve been able to fulfil this aspiration.
Beginning life in an occupational health role
I started my career over 35 years ago after qualifying as a nurse at North Tees General Hospital in Stockton-On-Tees. I initially worked on a general medical ward specialising in cardiology, but quickly progressed to a specialist nurse in rheumatology.
I was introduced to occupational health nursing by accident really, after offering to cover a clinic for an agency as a favour. I was immediately drawn to the versatility of occupational health nursing and have never looked back since.
So much so, that I undertook a Specialist Occupational Health degree in 2005 at Teesside University.
Following my degree, I have worked in probably most occupational health settings which, when I think about the range, is really quite staggering! Jockeys, the police, fireman, doctors, divers and bakery operatives represent a few examples of the clients I may provide my services and expertise to.
Over the years, I have found myself conducting medicals in the most obscure of places, but I think by far the most peculiar was in a gents converted urinal.
Joining Medacs Healthcare in an occupational health role
I joined Medacs Healthcare in November 2017 as a Clinical Lead. I consider myself to be very lucky in that I enjoy the work that I do. American writer Mark Twain once said: “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
My week is based either in our Redcar head office or throughout external clinics across the north east of England.
My diary is organised by Lesley our department manager and tasks or activities in any given day can range from meetings with clients, clinic appointments, travel assessments, and much, much more.
SEQOHS Accreditation
I work with a great team who are really supportive and who are currently helping me prepare for our SEQOHS reaccreditation visit later in the year.
SEQOHS - which stands for Safe, Effective, Quality Occupational Health Service - is a voluntary accreditation for formal recognition that an occupational health service provider has demonstrated and it has the competence to deliver against the measures in the SEQOHS standards. SEQOHS will provide great opportunities for Medacs Healthcare once accredited. It will demonstrate a quality occupational health service for all of our existing and new clients in the UK.
Preparing for the accreditation has provided me with a fantastic learning curve and experience which will support my personal development whilst providing benefits to Medacs Healthcare, including the opportunity to build new trusting relationships with potential clients and employees.
Find out more
If you’re interested in our current career opportunities or want to know more about our occupational health services, please e-mail occ.health@medacs.com. We will be happy to support you throughout your journey.
