Tuesday 9th August, Maggie Vooght on Work Health Services

Maggie Vooght discussed an awareness of the important links between work and health. She said increased confidence and ability to discuss work/employability has helped in her role to assess and encourage people to return to work safely. She also commented on the awareness of the potential barriers facing clients seeking employment/return to work and how they may be overcome. Worklessness and health evidence shows that (long-term) unemployment is associated with: poorer general health, somatic complaints, long-standing illness, limiting longstanding illness poorer mental health; more psychological distress; minor psychological/psychiatric morbidity, suicide, higher medical consultation, medication consumption and hospital admission rate. Maggie added that to realise an individual’s potential for work, they may need the support of different services or organisations. It has to accepted that some individuals will never be able to work, but should be offered the opportunity and support to progress and improve their quality of life. Johnnie Kean gave the vote of thanks.