Age profile of NHS workers in occupational physician clinics

The population in the UK is predicted to increase in size and age. The National Health Service (NHS) is the largest employer in the UK and demographic changes in the working population would be expected to be reflected in the NHS workforce. Such changes may present different challenges to an NHS occupational physician (OP).

To evaluate how the age profile of an NHS workforce is reflected in referral patterns, diagnoses and occupational outcomes for workers assessed by OPs.

NHS workers employed by a large acute Trust who were referred to an OP for assessment during 2011-12 were identified. Occupational health data relating to their assessment were analysed to investigate relationships with age.

Seven hundred and two workers were identified; they were from all staff and age groups employed by the NHS Trust. The highest referral rate to an OP was in staff aged between 41 and 60 years. There was no evidence that workers with long-term conditions assessed by an OP were likely to be older. The occupational outcome of ill-health retirement was linked to age.

This study suggested that older workers, aged between 41 and 60 years, may be more likely to be referred for assessment by an OP than younger workers. The only occupational outcome linked to age was ill-health retirement, which was more likely for workers over 50 years of age.