Dr David Fox
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Lecture Title:
The assessment of an employee with an alcohol problem
Abstract:
Assessing the fitness to work of an employee who has safety critical work responsibilities is part of the role of the occupational health clinician. This is particularly the case for an employee who drives whether or not that is a requirement of their role. In this talk I will aim to cover the key considerations and aspects of this issue.
Dr Zaid Al-Najjar
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Lecture Title:
NHS Practitioner Health and the management of Addiction in Health and Care Professionals
Abstract:
Addiction among health and care professionals presents complex clinical, occupational and ethical challenges. These individuals experience high levels of stress, moral distress and relatively easy access to psychoactive substances, yet are often deterred from seeking help due to stigma, shame, fear of regulatory involvement and potential career repercussions. NHS Practitioner Health is a confidential, publicly funded mental health and addiction service for doctors, dentists and other healthcare professionals across England and Scotland. It provides an integrated, multidisciplinary model encompassing holistic assessment, treatment, psychological therapy, rehabilitation and structured recovery support. This presentation will inform attendees about the service and its approach to managing substance use disorders, including alcohol, covering assessment of fitness to work, pharmacological and psychological interventions, relapse prevention and collaboration with professional bodies. Case examples, clinical experience and outcome data will be used to illustrate how this model supports safe recovery and return to practice.
Dr Ed Day
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Lecture Title:
‘Recovery Orientated Systems of Care: Art or Science?’
Abstract:
In this lecture Ed will try to distil down what he has learnt about recovery from addiction across his career and discuss how this knowledge can be implemented across a continuum of care.
Dr Mark Cairns
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Lecture Title:
Drunk Pilots in 2025; The Reality Behind the Headlines
Abstract:
Alcohol misuse among commercial pilots continues to pose a significant risk to aviation safety. This presentation explores the latest data and regulatory strategy for the management of alcohol use disorders amongst this unique group of safety critical workers.
Dr Nick Jenkins
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Lecture Title:
‘Alcohol Use Disorder and Driver Licensing’
Abstract:
The presentation will provide an introduction to the work of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, including:
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- The relevant legal framework
- The development of medical standards for fitness to drive
- The assessment of fitness to drive, including the role of laboratory testing in alcohol use disorder
The presentation will provide a consideration of the contrasts between employers’ Health & Safety considerations and those of driver licensing. This will include:
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- Clarification of the legal and professional responsibilities of Health Care Professionals in respect of driver licensing
- Consideration as to how H&S and driver licensing may work in tandem; including how and when to notify concerns to DVLA
