Staff are being reminded that all sickness absences from work for NHS Lanarkshire employees must be reported to the early access to support for you (EASY) service, regardless of the length of absence. Many absences still continue to go unreported or are recorded via the Scottish standard time system (SSTS) only. Without this valuable information, the EASY service is unable to offer the support that some staff members may need to help them return to work.
Contrary to historical belief, the EASY service – or occupational health – does not perform checks, nor does it disclose information with managers regarding discussions with those referred. EASY is a support service for staff members who are absent from work, designed to provide or signpost to appropriate help and support at the very beginning of absence.
While it is recognised that there are ever increasing demands being placed on our staff, it really could not be simpler or quicker to refer a staff member. It takes less than two minutes to submit a referral and the service will take care of the rest, it really is that EASY.
How to refer
A referral form is available on the Salus occupational health, safety and return to work services page on FirstPort at http://firstport2/staff-support/salus-occupational-health-and-safety/early-access-to-support-for-you/default.aspx
Alternatively, click on ‘Applications’ on the home page of FirstPort and then select ‘Formstream non-clinical’.
A set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) has been developed to assist managers or referrers to navigate the system quickly and easily. These are also available on the Salus occupational health, safety and return to work services page on FirstPort at http://firstport2/staff-support/salus-occupational-health-and-safety/early-access-to-support-for-you/default.aspx
Managers are asked to contact the EASY service when a staff member returns to work by emailing easy@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk or calling 01698 759310.
