Why occupational health and
health awareness should be part
of your post-lockdown strategy

The next few months will present a unique healthcare challenge, as we strive to balance long-term health objectives with the specific demands of a post-pandemic return to the office.  In this webinar we discussed the ways that employers and healthcare providers can support employees in maintaining their overall health, while ensuring that the readjustment to in-office work is safe and supportive.  


Webinar date: 13th May 2021

View the recording now >>>> 

Today, as COVID-19 remains a concern, employers and healthcare providers must simultaneously ensure that risks posed by COVID-19 are minimised, while also taking care of other aspects of health. These other aspects were likely impacted by service disruptions at the height of the pandemic, and may still be impacted by an increased reluctance to attend medical appointments.  

In April 2019, almost 200,000 people were referred to a consultant for suspected cancer by their GP. In April 2020 that figure fell to under 80,000.  Although oncology treatments have remained fairly stable, the reduction in these early stage preventative and intervention measures is worrying. There continues to be great concern that individuals have delayed, and still are delaying, seeing their GPs with health worries, which in turn may result in more invasive treatments.

At the same time as we're needing to make up for these disruptions, as lockdown restrictions ease, employers and healthcare providers must support a return to the workplace from an occupational health viewpoint. This includes a safe return to the office, demanding additional precautions, and proper insight into the growing challenge for businesses posed by practical adaptations, as well as the potential impact of Long COVID.

Our speakers

Nuala Close
Vice President of Cancer Services at HCA Healthcare UK

Nuala is a trained nurse with over 20 years' experience with the NHS, working in all areas of cancer care. She is especially dedicated to raising awareness about cancer prevention and early screenings. Nuala joined the independent sector in 2012 and moved to HCA UK in 2018 as CEO of The Harley Street Clinic and Leaders in Oncology Care (LOC), integrating the cancer pathway from screening to end of treatment.

In her current role as Vice President of Cancer Services, Nuala is responsible for the safe delivery of cancer care across HCA UK. The aim is to ensure patients have equitable access to the very latest and best treatments, personalised to their individual needs, including access to genomic testing and clinical trials.

Dr Sarah Holton
Specialist 
for Occupational Health at AXA Health 

Dr Holton is qualified in clinical medicine and occupational medicine. Having undergone training with Guy's & St Thomas' Hospital, she has advised the Houses of Parliament, Foreign Office, various national charities, and London museums. 

She moved to Bupa Wellness to complete her occupational training programme, and with them has looked after key clients in the railway, construction, corporate, and banking sectors. Since joining AXA Health, she has had a range of clients within the science and technology, waste, retail and logistics, corporate, and banking industries. In 2014, Dr Holton joined the specialist register for occupational medicine when she gained her MFOM.

Watch the on-demand webinar