August 20, 2004

More than flu shots: MGH Occupational Health Services on the move

They probably are most well known throughout the hospital for the flu shots they give to thousands of employees each fall, but the staff of MGH Occupational Health Services (OHS), pictured right, provides a wide range of services for the entire MGH employee and volunteer community. And while they are moving to a new location at 100 Charles River Plaza, fourth floor, OHS staff are committed to continuing those services that keep MGHers healthy and safe in their work environments.

OHS focuses on preventing health consequences of the work environment and job duties and providing timely care for conditions that are a result of exposure, injury or illness that may occur on the job. Most of the OHS staff members are certified in occupational health nursing or medicine.

For example, if an employee sustains a needlestick injury and is exposed to blood or body fluids, OHS staff evaluates the risk factors of the exposure, determines the overall risk, counsels the employee and makes recommendations when appropriate for preventative medication.

OHS staff also would evaluate and treat an employee who experiences back pain after lifting a box at work. The care provided would extend from initial evaluation through the employee's eventual return to work. This care would involve workers' compensation case management and coordination, transitional duties and development of a treatment plan.

OHS often is one of the first places visited by new employees for the required preplacement screening. Existing employees frequently visit OHS for a clearance to work if they have had an infectious illness or have been out of work because of an illness or injury for five or more consecutive work days. OHS staff members also provide more than 30,000 immunizations and 6,000 tuberculosis skin tests each year.

OHS works collaboratively with various experts and departments throughout the hospital community to ensure a quality health and safety program for employees. This includes the Infection Control Unit, Safety Office, Emergency Department, Pulmonary and the Infectious Diseases Division.

"Although our location has changed, our staff will continue to provide the best services possible for our employees," says Susan Loomis, NP, director of the OHS. "We have added an on-call service during the hours we are open, Monday through Friday, from 7 am to 5 pm, for employees who have sustained an exposure to blood or body fluids or an injury. We want to assure employees that their occupational health care is accessible and they are in good hands."

OHS will be moving Aug. 23 from its current location on Clinics 3 to 100 Charles River Plaza, fourth floor. For more information, call (617) 726-2217.