A new Mobile Unit was delivered to SFR at the end of February 2010 and will be used by OH staff from March onwards. A plan for the use of the vehicle is currently being devised and will include undertaking RDS fitness assessments in RDS areas, attending health promotion events along with our local partners such as AXA-ICAS, Benenden Healthcare and Physiotherapists as well as attending station events such as Open Days and Positive Action Days.
The van will be used to do the three yearly assessments in outlying stations rather than travelling to Hamilton or using an unsuitable room at their station since the Occupation Health Unit took over this task from GPs. Staff used to get a medical when they reached forty but now get checked every three years. The van is equipped for doing the medical assessment and also provides privacy. It also has an awning with sides which creates a covered area outside the van in which step tests and other exercises can be carried out. The van was fitted out by Bott engineering to specifications drawn up with the service's stakeholders.

One of the strategic priorities within the Board’s HR Strategy is ‘Resourcing SFR’ – to plan for, recruit, develop and retain the employees SFR needs, whilst supporting and promoting equality and diversity. We will also focus on the health and welfare of our employees. This priority will be the main focus of the Occupational Health Strategy over the next three years.
This work will address four key challenges:

Given the geographical locations of RDS employees, it has been agreed that they will attend their local GP surgery for medicals, completing the standard medical questionnaire currently used by wholetime employees. Following receipt of the medical report, OH medical staff may recall the employee for an appointment otherwise the fitness assessment shall follow thereafter. This work will be delivered in three phases and started in January- March 2010, with phase two and three to follow thereafter.