A new occupational health service for you

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Chris Barker and Lorraine Demott plan to spend 17 October rolling about on the floor of the Arts C foyer. And they hope you'll join them.

Chris, the University's newly appointed Occupational Health Adviser, and Lorraine, a Back Care Adviser, will be teaching back care exercises as their contribution to national Back Care Week, which runs from 16 to 22 October. They will also be able to answer any queries about back problems.

Chris said: "We hope to make it a 'drop in' event, with information on how to look after your back. Hopefully, we will be able to demonstrate a chair and some other artefacts that could help to reduce work related back pain. Answer a simple question, and you could also be in with a chance of winning a prize."

The event is the first of a number of health-promotion initiatives planned by the Occupational Health Department at Brighton Health Care NHS Trust, which has been contracted by the University to provide an occupational health service to all employees.

As well as Chris and Lorraine, the contract also comprises the services of a Consultant in Occupational Medicine and a Counsellor. All members of the team are qualified and experienced.

"We aim to provide a confidential, objective and professional advisory service on work-related health matters to all employees," said Chris. Any member of staff can contact her directly for advice and support: all advice offered will be confidential and recorded in your occupational health record.

Basic eye checks can also be carried out on staff who use VDU screens as part of their job. A range of vaccinations is also available, free of charge, if they are necessary for work-related purposes (for example, if you are working abroad or you are a first aider).

Managers may also refer staff for advice if there are concerns about a health problem. "In this instance," Chris explained, "I would be able to advise on, for example, changes needed to working practices or environment, or a rehabilitation back-to-work programme."

Chris is not able to provide a GP or treatment service. (Any minor accidents at work have to be treated by a recognised first aider.) "Nor do I have a couch for those wishing to rest!", she said.

• The occupational health service is based in Hastings Building, where Chris can be contacted on ext. 7255 or via email on C.H.Barker@sussex.ac.uk.