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Abermed’s strategic growth continues with launch of London base and release of UK travel health research

Today (Friday 1 July) Aberdeen-headquartered occupational health specialist Abermed launches its first central London occupational healthcare unit, supporting the company’s continued growth.

Abermed London will be led by Dr Catherine Amos, a consultant in occupational medicine. Dr Amos has previously worked in the brewing, postal, motor and transport industries. Services will include; medical assessments, including construction workers’ medicals (CBH Standards), rail track medicals (Link Up approved), OGUK offshore medicals, pre-employment medicals and executive and bespoke medicals; occupational health consultations; sickness absence management; counselling services; drug and alcohol screening and, of course, travel health and vaccination programmes.

James Miller, chairman and chief executive, said: “This is a very exciting time for Abermed. We already have ten UK bases, but opening a new operation in London really supports our national strategy. The new clinic will be a significant contributor to our overarching purpose to protect, maintain and improve the health of people by broadening our capabilities and supporting our clients globally.”

The launch comes as Abermed research reveals that Londoners are twice as likely as the rest of the UK to seek travel health information but fail to make use of the most knowledgeable advisors. The independent poll, executed by Populus Limited, revealed that 91% of Londoners seek travel health information, compared to the national average of 80%.

James Miller, chairman and chief executive at Abermed, said: “This was a focused piece of qualitative research to gain an insight into the behaviour of professionals as we open our first occupational healthcare unit in the capital today. We explored the sources of travel health advice, and whether people want this information at all.

“The results were illuminating, but one discovery was of particular interest: the UK population is fairly unaware of the existence, and abilities, of occupational health providers. People usually only know about occupational health services if they have been referred by an employer. But consumers can use us directly for their travel needs. We want this service to be something everyone accesses. It is relevant to anyone who travels offshore or abroad, for any reason.

“These findings push occupational health awareness up the industry agenda. Consumers have a great opportunity to use our services and they must capitalise on it.

“Worryingly, 20% of the UK population do not request travel advice. Many professionals regularly take business trips, whilst 83% of Londoners have holidayed abroad in the last three years. But, unless health precautions are essential, attitudes are often apathetic.

“At Abermed, we urge consumers to think about prevention rather than cure. Travel health is about more than yellow fever vaccines and anti-malaria pills. But it can be hard to see other factors without precautionary education. You may know not to drink the water in a certain country, for example, but would you remember not to pop ice in your drink or open your mouth in the shower?

“It was interesting to see that the internet was poll respondents’ favoured advisor. Although there is some excellent advice available online, reliability is an issue. It can be difficult to know the source and date of the information, which is not ideal when health risks change day-to-day.

“Visiting a GP or the foreign office would be a more viable option. However, this is likely to result in a referral to an occupational health service anyway. Consumers should save time and make an occupational health provider their first port of call. Our new unit is extremely accessible, our knowledge is up-to-date and we can quickly respond to outbreaks.

“Responses from different demographics were fascinating. Older people appeared more aware of occupational health: 8% of those aged between 55 and 64 use the service. So, we need occupational health for the next generation. Young people are least likely to seek advice but are those who need it most. They travel more often, and to more exotic places, than their parents and grandparents did at that age.

Other key findings:

• The internet is primary source of travel health information (56%)

• GPs are a distant second choice (31%). 12% of people would approach friends and family, 8% would contact the foreign office. Just 2% of the population would approach an OH adviser, although 4% of the 18-24 respondents would take this route

• The foreign office is a far more appealing source of travel health information for respondents aged 45+ (12%) than those aged 18-24 (2%)

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