​The second Occupational Health opinion is exactly that. It is an opinion on fitness for work, workplace adjustments or restrictions and other occupational health matters from a consultant occupational physician other than your current occupational health doctor/nurse.

 

Seeking a second/independent occupational health opinion can be vital in some situations, as occupational health recommendations can have a serious impact on employment prospects. For example, 

 

• An independent expert opinion on fitness for work or fitness to return to work after a period of sickness absence can be valuable in mitigating the risk of unfair dismissal and litigation costs. For example, in Heathrow Express Operating Co Ltd v Jenkins [2007]

• In Kitching v University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust [2024], the employer relied on inaccurate occupational health advice regarding disability under the Equality Act, resulting in the employee's unfair dismissal. This could have been avoided by seeking a second independent opinion.

• Similarly, where there is a doubt on fitness to attend a disciplinary hearing at work, an independent occupational health opinion can be valuable to both the employee and employer. 

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How to request a second opinion?

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Before contacting us for a second opinion, we suggest you share your concerns with your current occupational health doctor/nurse and the employer. If you decide to seek a second opinion, you can self-refer to us. We will review the available evidence, where necessary, request additional information and/or arrange an occupational physician consultation and produce a comprehensive report. We will advise you on our professional fee for this work beforehand. Our charges will depend on the nature and complexity of the matter. ​

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Seeking a second opinion should not negatively impact your relationship with the current occupational health doctor/nurse or your employer. Most occupational health doctors/nurses welcome a second opinion as part of good medical practice. The General Medical Council (GMC) guidance supports the patient's right to request a second opinion.

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Please contact us if you have any questions or wish to seek an independent occupational health assessment and opinion.

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