NHS Dumfries and Galloway will offer easier-to-access digital occupational health services following a new partnership with global public sector software leader, Civica.
Via the five-year agreement, the health board will implement Civica’s OPAS-G2 occupational health cloud software at sites including hospitals, community, and primary care settings across NHS health and social care services in the region.
Offering increased security by moving to the cloud, the new system will allow employees to self serve easily via mobile devices – significantly reducing manual tasks and paper use and assisting to meet environmental goals across the health board.
The OPAS-G2 software will assist with recruitment, including pre-employment screening via an electronic health surveillance questionnaire to offer any targeted support needed by individuals at the beginning of their careers.
Improved visibility
Dumfries and Galloway will have an improved single view of each employee and their occupational health needs. This will help with staff retention and support, particularly important during the current cost-of-living crisis as people look to work more hours and face burnout and heightened mental health issues.
The intelligent software automates and manages complex workflows such as referral, pre-placement, health surveillance, vaccinations, and management reports.
Improved reporting will show reason for attendance, linked to sickness absence protocols, and highlight patterns in the data to target resources more effectively.
Streamlining administration
Andy Howat, occupational health and safety business manager at the health board, said: “Our NHS health and social care staff are under immense pressure so it’s crucial we offer optimum physical and mental health support to keep them healthy and safe at work.
“Civica’s OPAS-G2 platform will offer quick and easy access to this vital service.
“The software will streamline our administration services significantly, freeing up staff time to spend on added value tasks; while improved data and reporting will help us target interventions appropriately both in the short and longer term.”
Kevin McMonagle, managing director of workforce solutions at Civica, added: “It’s important to understand the causes of absenteeism and long-term sickness to support early intervention and pro-active measures to manage health conditions.
“We’re delighted to be working with NHS Dumfries and Galloway to support providing improved digital services for staff to access the advice and services they really need."