What can the IGP offer my company?

The IGP specialises in the prevention, treatment and management of short term sickness. This area is increasingly costly for companies and the recent CBI figures confirm that the current cost of sickness absence per employee is £476 per annum. Additionally companies have to comply with increased legislation, the threat of litigation and recruitment and retention of staff.

In such a climate, optimising the health of your workforce is not just an optional extra but a pre-requisite for success – and arguably more cost effective than company private medical insurance schemes.

How does the IGP differ from traditional Occupational Health specialists?

Our service is used before traditional Occupational Health input is required because we offer immediate assessment of medical problems and treatment where necessary. We offer a first line service to solve problems quickly, to avoid illness becoming chronic and causing long term sickness absence.

Put simply, we see ourselves as a GP providing an holistic approach to the health and well being of your employees. As such we can refer on to appropriate specialists if the need arises - Occupational Health is one of the many specialities that we can access.

Tell me more about the Fast Response Packages?

The clearest way to explain is by example: when an employee is off work with a certificate for stress, the IGP can offer an appointment for assessment and organise an initial consultation with one of our expert counsellors within a week. This demonstrates a fast and caring approach by the employer, significantly reduces the possibility of successful litigation by an employee against the company and also accelerates the treatment, allowing a faster return to work.

In this way the IGP can also audit stress trends within a company, while maintaining client confidentiality.

We can develop these packages for other conditions as required.

What is the General Enquiry Service?

A number of our corporate clients have asked if the IGP can be provide an umbrella service for Human Resources Departments to get fast medical advice and liason on all sorts of everyday issues which affect their staff. Clients can phone the practice with any queries for fast and reliable input. This service is more personal and effective than many telephone Employee Assistance Programmes.

Is Flu Vaccination cost effective?

Flu vaccinations are the only employee service where the evidence for direct cost savings to your company is clear and certain. In an epidemic flu could close your company down and not many insurance policies will cover the costs incurred by this. Flu vaccination of the workforce will protect you.

Offering vaccinations to your staff is perceived as a benefit, is good for morale and shows you are a generous and caring employer. At the same time it is more than self-funding and is therefore not treated as a benefit in kind in your accounts.

A recent Chartered Institute of Personnel Director’s survey showed a cost of sick leave of £522 per annum and it is thought that up to 10% of this was due to absence caused by flu.

What can the IGP do about sick certification?

The IGP can greatly expedite sickness certification. NHS GP's do not generally give urgent appointments to issue `sick certificates`. Therefore the IGP can get an employee back to work much sooner than if that person were waiting to see their NHS GP.

What about stress in the workplace?

The IGP deals with stress through assessment of the workplace (identifying high risk areas) and via counselling, ensuring that the company’s duty of care is being met.