The Garda Occupational Health Service (GOHS) is a part of Garda Occupational Health and Wellbeing which is headed by the Chief Medical Officer. GOHS is located at Garda Headquarters. The primary objective of the Garda Occupational Health Service is to deliver a specialised occupational health service as well as expert advice on work and health policy issues pertaining to An Garda Síochána (AGS).
The of aims of GOHS are to –
- Promote and support the physical, mental and social wellbeing of all AGS personnel.
- Support AGS personnel to maintain their health and wellbeing in order to carry out their duties safely and effectively.
- Provide an advisory service which is independent, professional, confidential and ethical.
- Promote and encourage adherence to health and safety legislation to support health and wellbeing of all AGS personnel.
- Promote a culture of health and wellbeing in AGS.
- Provide advice on work related issues with regard to health and wellbeing to AGS personnel and management.
- Promote and support work ability of AGS personnel in so far as it is practicable.
GOHS is staffed by a team of specialist occupational healthcare professionals supported by an administration team. The Service is committed to supporting all AGS personnel to maintain their health and wellbeing in order to carry out their duties safely and effectively.
Services provided –
- Occupational health referrals and review appointments - B5 (Absence and fitness for work-related), CIP (Critical Illness Provisions-related)
- B7 (Compensation Act-related medical assessment and review for Compensation Act Files
- Referral to independent medical specialists
- Case management, file review and advisory on issues related to medical absence
- Pre-employment medical assessment
- Follow-up management of occupational blood and body fluid exposure (OBBFE) incidents
- Management of medical file releases
- Periodic health surveillance (medicals) for Garda employees involved in safety critical roles/specialised duties
- Confidential discussion and appropriate advice for personal medical issues that may impact on fitness for work
- Blood screenings
- Statutory audiology health surveillance
- Pre-course medical assessments
- Immunisation programmes and related blood tests/screening
- Medical processing of early medical retirement/medical discharge applications.