Pre-employment health screening for healthcare workers

The appointment commonly reviews your medical history, current medicines, previous injuries, vision, hearing, mobility, and physical or mental health factors relevant to the duties. Depending on the role, the assessor may discuss infection risks, immunisation records, immunity evidence, exposure to chemicals or radiation, shift work, and tasks involving lifting or prolonged standing. The aim is to match health information with workplace demands and reasonable adjustments, not to label every finding as a problem.

Bring identification, your vaccination or occupational-health records, a list of medicines, glasses or hearing aids, and details of any ongoing condition. Describe the actual duties, shift pattern, protective equipment, and physical demands as accurately as possible. Mention pregnancy, allergies, fainting, back problems, or symptoms that could affect patient contact or safe equipment use. Ask the employer which documents are required and whether a follow-up appointment is part of the process.

A screening appointment is not a substitute for treatment. Arrange clinical care for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, uncontrolled symptoms, or a new health problem that could make work unsafe. Tell the assessor if a condition is unstable or if a test causes distress. A chronic disease review may help organise ongoing care before a demanding role begins.

Ask which parts of your health history are relevant to the role, whether you need updated vaccinations or tests, and what adjustments could support safe work. Clarify who receives the report, how fitness decisions are explained, and when a chronic condition should be reviewed.