University doctor
Leiden University is committed to creating a pleasant working environment for its staff. It may nevertheless happen that you find yourself unable to work due to a temporary or long-term illness or disability. The university doctors can help you reduce health risks and give you advice regarding your recovery and return to work.
The university doctor is usually called in by your immediate supervisor, but you can also take the initiative to contact the university doctor for advice. You may come into contact with the university doctor in one of two situations:
- You are not ill but you have symptoms, problems or questions relating to your health and work.
- You’ve reported ill and you need advice concerning your return to work. You can contact the university doctor yourself for an appointment. If you don’t you will be called in automatically after five weeks of being reported ill.
Making an appointment
The university doctor offers consulations by appointment. Do you want to make an appointment?
Fill in the online form 'advice from the company doctor'. You'll receive a response within three working days.
When are you referred to the university doctor?
If you are ill or want to find ways to avoid developing certain symptoms, please discuss the matter first with your supervisor. If this doesn’t help, you can make an appointment with your HRM adviser and/or the university doctor. If the event of absence, the university doctor advises both you and your supervisor. You decide together whether to follow the doctor’s advice.
Tasks of the university doctor
You can contact the university doctor for the following:
Advice on health and work
If you have any questions about your health and work, for instance if you’re pregnant or on medication, or because you have a chronic disease or disability, you can make an appointment for a working conditions consultation with the university doctor. The doctor does not provide feedback on this to your supervisor.
Assistance during illness
If you are ill, you should report sick to your supervisor. If you are ill for longer than four weeks, you will receive a letter inviting you to make an appointment with the university doctor. In some situations, it is better to make an appointment with the university doctor sooner, for instance in the case of mental health problems, pregnancy, a heart condition, back problems or a conflict. The university doctor will inform you and your supervisor of your medical abilities, limitations and prognosis, and if needed will advise you on how to develop a reintegration plan together with your supervisor. The university doctor is bound by medical confidentiality at all times.
Assistance in returning to work
If you are returning to work after an illness, the university doctor will discuss with you how you can avoid falling ill again. He will also discuss with your supervisor any adjustments that may be needed to your work environment.
Preventing illness
The university doctor is committed to creating a healthy work environment and preventing illness. He investigates the risks facing employees in the performance of their duties and advises employers on measures to take in this context. He also advises you and your employer on legislation concerning absenteeism and work disability.
The university doctor investigates general preventive measures – such as a regular medical check-up, travellers’ or other vaccinations, personal protection equipment – that may be required for your work.
Pre-employment medical examination
If you are applying for a job or planning to act as an emergency response officer (BHV), you may be required to undergo a medical examination. This depends on the job you apply for. During the medical examination, the university doctor will only look at your suitability for the position.
Independent
University doctors are independent. Our goal is to allow you to work as much and as responsibly as possible bearing in mind your health, and within the limits set by your employer. University doctors are bound to medical confidentiality and adhere to the Dutch core values for the profession. Any matter you discuss with your university doctor will be treated as confidential. We never release any sensitive information without your permission.
You may also want to read the Dutch privacy notice of the Health, Safety and Environment.