Occupational health provider, BHSF OH, has consolidated its recent growth with the appointment of senior medical advisor, Dr Sumra Dar, who completes the firm’s eight-strong senior management team.
This latest announcement follows a breakthrough year for BHSF OH, during which the provider has achieved nationwide coverage through a series of strategic acquisitions, the latest being the purchase of M3 Occupational Health Limited.
Dr Dar, who is from Bewdley, brings 15 years of experience in occupational health to her new role. From the BHSF OH headquarters in Bromsgrove, Dr Dar will be responsible for advising on the clinical governance of the firm’s 86-strong team of physicians, nurses and other employees, based throughout the UK. She will also provide clinical support for the firm’s growing portfolio of clients, which range from SMEs to blue chip companies.
BHSF OH managing director Dr Philip McCrea has played a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the firm. He explained why getting the right senior team on board has been a priority: “BHSF OH has grown through ambitious expansion plans which have taken us on the acquisition trail, and now we have delivered on our fundamental aim of achieving a nationwide presence, the focus is on appointing the right people who share our vision for the future of the firm.
“Dr Dar’s position in particular is essential in ensuring all activity conducted by BHSF OH is robust and ethically sound, and that it meets the rigours of our clinical governance policy. Dr Dar was exactly the calibre of professional we were looking for to take on this remit. She is a highly-impressive individual with a successful track record and a wealth of knowledge and experience, and we are delighted to have her on board.
“With the BHSF OH senior management team now in place, we are well-placed to give our customers more than ever before. In the post-recession workplace, the role of OH professionals must go beyond assessing whether or not an employee is fit for work. Rather, we focus on providing the highest quality service based on giving impartial advice, professional guidance, and ultimately, realistic action plans that will help employers get individuals back to work as quickly as possible.”
Dr Dar commented: “In my new role for BHSF OH, I will focus on ensuring businesses across the UK get the support they need to maintain a healthy workforce, mitigate the risk of health issues in the workplace, and meet their duty of care when it comes to health and safety obligations.
“The wellbeing of employees is rising up the agenda for many businesses. Healthy, happy employees are more engaged and achieve higher levels of productivity, so it makes sense for businesses to focus efforts on making improvements in this area, but often they need external support and guidance, and that’s where we can help. It’s an exciting time to be working for BHSF OH and I’m thrilled to be joining a highly experienced team.”
The BHSF OH management team also comprises clinical director, Sue Burke, operations managers, Sharon Capes and Liza Fellows, general manager, Janette Murray, and business development managers, Andrew Damsell and Keith Lister.
BHSF OH provides workplace healthcare to businesses throughout the UK. It is part of BHSF Group Limited, a not-for-profit organisation which also covers more than 400,000 people under its health and accident insurance policies, and serves many more through EAPs online benefits and other services.