As a leading private occupational health provider in London, Fleet St. Clinic is pleased to see the recent developments in UK Government policies regarding occupational health services.  

The latest Budget announcement in March 2023 included the launch of a new occupational health subsidy pilot program with tax incentives proposal. This government program is aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in England with the cost of purchasing occupational health services to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees. This is part of the government’s focus on improving employee health and wellbeing and reducing absenteeism. 

The proposed tax incentives for businesses that invest in occupational health services are a welcome development. As many London-based businesses are struggling with the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, it’s important to recognise the importance of maintaining the health and wellbeing of the workforce. This program will incentivise businesses to prioritise employee health, which will have positive impacts for both the employee and the business as a whole. 

Employer-led occupational health services can reduce health-related inactivity by identifying, monitoring and preventing health problems in the workplace, supporting employees to remain healthy and happy in work. Around half of UK employees currently have access to occupational health services, which is lower than some international comparators. 

In addition to the proposed tax incentives, there have been calls to make occupational health services tax-exempt. This would further encourage London-based businesses to invest in occupational health services from providers such as us, Fleet St. Clinic, and support the growth of businesses in the UK. It would also make it more accessible for businesses of all sizes to access these services to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees. 

The focus on occupational health has also been highlighted by the John Lewis Partnership, which has launched a new initiative called “Working Well” aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of its employees. This is a great example of a business taking proactive steps to support the health of its workforce, and it is encouraging to see more businesses in the UK following suit. 

It’s important to note that occupational health services from Fleet St. Clinic aren’t just about responding to workplace injuries and illnesses. They can also be proactive in preventing health issues from arising in the first place, such as through health screenings, workplace medicals, health promotion programs, and ergonomic assessments. These preventative measures sit alongside more formal methods of occupational health services such as management referrals and mandatory health surveillance. 

By investing in occupational health services in London, businesses can reduce absenteeism, increase productivity, and create a healthier and happier workforce. 

The recent announcement about plans to expand occupational health services and workforce is also a positive development for businesses in London. This will help to address the shortage of occupational health professionals and ensure that businesses can access the high-quality services they need from providers like Fleet St. Clinic to support the health and wellbeing of their employees. 

One potential barrier to accessing all occupational health services in the UK is the value-added tax (VAT) that is currently applied to some services that are seen as screening services rather than services that support the health and wellbeing of the employee. However, there have been further discussions about exempting all occupational health services from VAT, which would make them more affordable and accessible for businesses of all sizes. 

In conclusion, as a leading private occupational health provider in London, Fleet St. Clinic is pleased to see the recent developments in government policies and business initiatives regarding occupational health. The focus on supporting SMEs, tax incentives, and VAT exemptions will make it easier for London and England-based businesses to access the services they need to maintain the health and wellbeing of their workforce. It is important to remember the potential benefits of investing in occupational health services from providers such as Fleet St. Clinic, London and the positive impact they can have on both employees and businesses. 

If you’d like to start the conversation about how we could support your employee’s health, fill out the form below and we’ll propose suitable services for your consideration.

Related services available at Fleet Street Clinic 

Occupational Health Services 

Management Referrals 

Occupational Health Medicals 

Health Surveillance 

Ergonomics 

Onsite GP Clinic 

Continued reading about the new UK Government Occupation Health Budget Proposals: 

Tax exemptions for employer health related interventions 

Full: UK Spring Budget 2023 

Research & Analysis Report: Incentivising SME uptake of health and wellbeing support schemes 

The UK is currently facing a rapidly escalating diabetes crisis.
What does that mean?

According to a recent report published by Diabetes UK, more than 5 million people are living with diabetes in the UK, and the number is only increasing. This figure is a combination of those who have been diagnosed with diabetes and an estimate of those who are currently unaware that they are diabetic. 

As a private healthcare clinic in London, Fleet St. Clinic is committed to providing support and the highest quality of care to all our patients, especially those affected by this escalating crisis. 

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body regulates blood sugar. There are two main types of diabetes:  

Type 1 – which is usually diagnosed in childhood and is caused by the immune system attacking the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin,  

Type 2 – which is usually diagnosed in adulthood and is caused by the body becoming resistant to insulin or not producing enough insulin. 

Diabetes UK’s report shows that 4.3 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes in the UK. We know that approximately 90% of these diagnoses are of type 2 diabetes, and around 8% of diagnoses are type 1 diabetes, with the other forms of the condition making up the remaining 2% including gestational, neonatal, and monogenic diabetes. 

In addition, Diabetes UK also estimates there are an additional 850,000 people living with diabetes who are yet to be diagnosed, bringing the overall UK-wide figure beyond 5 million. 

Year-on-year the numbers for diabetes are increasing, a worrying trend, especially as most of the diagnosis are for type 2. Diabetes UK’s report states that 2.4 million people in the UK are considered at high-risk of developing type 2 diabetes and could already be pre-diabetic.  

All types of diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and blindness. With the right treatment and management, many people with diabetes can live full and active lives. 

What are the symptoms of diabetes?
The 4Ts of diabetes include: 

• Thirsty  
• Tired  
• Toilet (needing to urinate a lot, especially at night)
• Thinner (losing weight without trying) 

At Fleet St. Clinic, we offer a range of services to support patients with diabetes, including regular check-ups, blood sugar monitoring, and dietary advice. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and dietitians, work together to provide personalised care tailored to each patient’s needs. 

Diagnosing Diabetes:
Our most non-invasive test is the instant HbA1C test which can be a standalone appointment with a nurse or suggested by your doctor during a GP appointment. This test is used to diagnose diabetes and only requires a finger prick of blood. It takes about 6 minutes to receive results meaning you can have the test and receive the result during your consultation. 

We also offer specialist services for patients with diabetes-related complications, such as foot ulcers, which can be a serious problem for people with diabetes. Our podiatrist can provide expert advice and treatment to help prevent and manage foot ulcers, which can lead to amputation if left untreated. 

Diabetes can have a major effect on your eye health and greatly increase your risk of certain eye conditions, so if diagnosed, it is very important that you have your eyes checked regularly. Our sister clinic, Whitby & Co. Optician, is also based at 29 Fleet St. London and offers eye examinations which include an OCT scan. OCT scans can be useful to diagnose and monitor diabetic eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy. 

In addition to our clinical services, we also offer support to help patients with diabetes manage their condition. Our doctors and dietitian can discuss topics such as healthy eating, exercise, and medication management with you.  

At Fleet St. Clinic, we understand that living with diabetes can be challenging, but we are committed to providing the highest quality of care and support to our patients.  

So, if you are living with diabetes or are at risk of developing the condition, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re here to help you manage your diabetes and live your best life. 

Read the full report by Diabetes UK 

Diabetes UK: “Know your risk” online tool 

Related Services at Fleet St. Clinic 

Instant HbA1C Test 

GP Services 

Podiatry  

Eye Care 

Much like getting fit, improving posture is a long term game. Trying to stand or sit up straight when you remember isn’t really going to cut it. First of all, you obviously forget, but secondly, using those big mobility muscles to pull you upright causes them to tire quickly and build up lactic acid, at which point you slump for quick comfort.

Many things can be causing bad posture and pain, so it’s worth getting it assessed first. Even if there’s no major problems but it’s been happening for a while, some mobilisation, adjustment and tailored exercises may well be needed.

To help posture long term we need to do two things:

Change the habits encouraging bad posture, and get the right muscles to do the job.

Try to identify when posture is bad. If it’s sitting at a desk/computer, get the desk assessed and altered. If it is slouching on the sofa, sit upright, bottom to the back of the seat, maybe a cushion in the small of the back, feet on the floor. Be aware of looking at phones for too long. Read my full blog here on how to  set up your workstation properly. 

Using and strengthening correct muscles to hold your posture is equally important. The postural muscles are designed to hold you in a better position with less effort for much longer without tiring. If you are nicely upright and relaxed your head is largely balanced on top of your spine. Just a little angle forward (to look at your phone for instance) or slumping, and suddenly it takes a huge muscle effort to hold it up. To get these postural muscles working and strengthened can be a little tricky at first as you try to co-ordinate them. I often suggest something like Pilates or the Alexander Technique, but even just doing more core stability exercises in the gym or at home will help.

Osteopathy can treat a vast array of joints and musculoskeletal issues of the body caused by poor posture, including:

• Non-traumatic back pain including lumbago and sciatica pain management
• Stress-related musculoskeletal problems
• Neck pain & headaches including migraine prevention
• Pregnancy-related musculoskeletal problem
• Postural-related problems including shoulder, hip, knee and/ or ankle pain
• Workstation-related problems
• Restricted Mobility

If you’d like to understand the underlying causes of your pain and discomfort and a personalised treatment plan for recovery, book an osteopathy appointment.

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OSTEOPATHY AT FLEET STREET CLINIC

Andrew Doody is an osteopath at Fleet Street Clinic and is fully registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOSC).

Book an appointment with him if you have any musculoskeletal injuries by calling  +44 20 7353 5678, email info@fleetstreetclinic.com or book an appointment online.

As a travel nurse based in London, I was concerned to hear the recent warning from health officials about the spread of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus in several parts of the country. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed three cases of TBE virus in patients in Yorkshire, Norfolk, and on the border of Hampshire and Dorset. Further tests on ticks across the country have found that the disease, which was commonly found in parts of Europe and Asia until now, is now present in the UK. The experts have warned that it is unlikely that TBE virus will disappear, so it’s essential to establish a surveillance program. 

Public health officials say the risk is low, but it’s essential for walkers to take precautions and seek medical help if they fall ill after being bitten, especially if by a tick.  

As a clinic that specialises in travel, we are used to urging everyone to take precautions to protect themselves from tick bites anyway, but this news reinforces the importance of doing this at home as well as when travelling abroad. It is essential to cover your ankles and legs, apply insect repellent, and check clothes and your body for ticks, particularly when visiting areas with long grass such as woods, moorlands, and parks. 

In most cases the TBE virus typically causes mild flu-like symptoms, but it can also lead to severe infection in the central nervous system resulting in meningitis or encephalitis a high fever with headache, neck stiffness, confusion, or reduced consciousness, and long-term impairment.  

As a travel nurse, I think it is really important to educate people about the symptoms of TBE to encourage them to seek medical help immediately if they experience any of these symptoms, but also to emphasise the fact that infections are preventable. 

Ticks are becoming more common in parts of the UK, mainly due to increasing deer numbers. They live in undergrowth and latch on to humans when they walk through long grass. It is thought infected ticks may have arrived in the UK via migrating birds. Scientists had suspected the virus had arrived in the UK in 2019, following a couple of cases, but complexities involved in testing meant these could not be confirmed. 

It’s crucial to emphasise the significance of vaccination for individuals who are considered of a higher risk. You are much more likely to catch TBE if you work outdoors or if you enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, dog-walking, countryside rambling and even jogging. Children playing outside may be especially vulnerable. 

Vaccines can provide protection, and as there is currently no known cure for tick-borne encephalitis virus, those individuals who would be considered at higher risk are advised to be vaccinated as a precaution.  

It’s worth noting that a vaccine is used routinely in areas of high incidence in Europe, and its advisable to consider vaccination for individuals with outdoor occupations in regions where the virus is prevalent.  

For the general public the risk of contracting TBE is relatively low. Therefore, it’s essential to educate people about TBE and encourage them to take precautions to protect themselves from tick bites, particularly when travelling to areas where the virus is found. 

Related services available at Fleet Street Clinic 

Tick Borne Encephalitis Vaccination 

GP Services 

Travel Clinic 

For further reading, more news coverage can be found here: 

Gov.uk – Tick Borne Encephalitis detection in England 

The Times – Tick-borne encephalitis warning to walkers

The Telegraph – First cases of rare tick disease found in England