A hospital-based occupational health service

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Public Health
• Hospital Administration

Background:

• Attleboro's industrial base includes jewelry, chemicals, and light manufacturing.
• Local businesses required specialized occupational health services.
• Sturdy Memorial Hospital is located 35 miles south of Boston.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a comprehensive occupational health service for the local business community.
• To provide clinical, ancillary, consultative, and educational services tailored to workplace needs.
• To assess the economic viability and impact of a hospital-based occupational health program.

Main Methods:

• Development of a hospital-based occupational health service.
• Inclusion of plant visits by a medical director and occupational health nurse.
• Provision of services including preplacement exams, work-related injury treatment, audiometric testing, pulmonary function testing, heavy-metal screening, work-related disease evaluation, reproductive hazard counseling, and disability evaluations.
• Affiliation with over 60 local firms on a fee-for-service basis.

Main Results:

• The service affiliated with more than 60 firms within two years.
• Economic self-sufficiency was achieved within 18 months of initiating clinical services.
• The program offered a wide range of services addressing diverse occupational health needs.

Conclusions:

• A hospital-based occupational health service can effectively meet the needs of a local industrial community.
• Such programs can achieve financial sustainability relatively quickly.
• Comprehensive occupational health services contribute to both employee well-being and business productivity.