WORKING Health Services Lothian, an innovative, pilot programme helping people to return to or remain in employment, is opening its doors to the public next week.
Patients, health professionals, small to medium employers (SMEs) and the wider public can find out more about the services available on Wednesday 10 March, 12-4pm, at the Vocational Rehabilitation Centre, Astley Ainslie Hospital.
The service, which is available to people who work in small and medium sized businesses across Lothian, offers free and confidential access to specialist healthcare services to enable them to stay at or return to work.
Lynne Douglas, director, Allied Health Professionals, NHS Lothian, said: “The open day will provide an excellent opportunity to find out about the services available.
“There will be something of interest on the day for everyone. Patients and the public will be able to see the service available at first hand and speak to healthcare experts. Small to medium employers can find out how services can help employees remain at or return to work and staff will be able to find out about a variety of training sessions.”
Gerry McFeely, project manager, Working Health Services Lothian, NHS Lothian, said: “We hope lots of people will come along and hear from our specialist rehabilitation team, including occupational therapists and physiotherapists, how rapid assessment and treatment in a purpose-built environment can support them back into the workplace.”
Working Health Services Lothian aims to identify and assess patients in employment who are at risk of being unable to work due to new or worsening of existing illness or disability.
For more information contact the Vocational Rehabilitation Centre on 0131 537 9580.
ENDS
Notes to editors
The Open Day will take place on Wednesday 10 March 2010 at the Vocational Rehabilitation Centre, Occupational Therapy Department, Astley Ainslie Hospital, 133 Grange Loan, Edinburgh, EH9 2HL from 12-4pm.
The service launched in 2009 and was supported in its first year by the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives.
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Contact: Alexis Burnett
Phone: 0131 536 9432
Email: alexis.burnett@nhs.net
Website: http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
