Occupational Health Services

The University of Portsmouth requires a comprehensive Occupational Health (OH) service to provide both initial health clearance and ongoing support to healthcare students undertaking programmes that include clinical placements. This service encompasses pre-placement OH screening, required vaccinations, and the management of any health-related issues arising while students are engaged in practical training.

Due to significant growth in healthcare-related programmes, the number of students requiring OH assessment and support has increased over recent academic years, resulting in a service provision of substantial value. A reliable and continuous OH service is essential to ensure students are cleared within appropriate timeframes to commence their placements.

Any interruption or delay in service delivery would risk students being unable to attend placements, which would negatively impact their progression. The service operates on an annual cycle aligned to the academic year.

Planning typically begins in April, with operational activity commencing in July to prepare for student enrolment in September. Service delivery continues throughout the year, providing both initial screening and the ongoing management of health issues that emerge during placement activity.

The requirement is delivered via annual Service Level Agreements (SLAs), based on actual student numbers for each academic cohort. The University is placing this extension while we review our OH provision across the University for both Students and Staff with a view of retendering before the end of 2026.