Inverness health clinic reveals future plans as occupational health clinic celebrates decade of success – Scottish Business News

 A LEADING occupational health clinic in the north of Scotland is looking forward to a bright future as it celebrates 10 years in business this month.

From seven employees in 2014 to a thriving team of 17 today, Alert Health has proven that a focus on developing and nurturing local expertise – and delivering quality-led services – pays dividends.

Managing director and co-owner Amy MacRae said: “Ten years ago, Alert Health was a bold idea… and now we are all so proud of what we have achieved together.

“We’re planning some exciting in-person and virtual events to celebrate our 10th year in business, and look forward to sharing our plans as they progress.”

As it enters its second decade, Alert Health will continue to improve and deliver on its core offering, and explore new services to meet the needs of its clients.

Amy continued: “It’s important to us to support our local community by providing occupational health services to businesses operating in the area, and ensuring that we retain and develop OH expertise in this region.

“Over 90 per cent of our staff is based in Inverness and the Highlands, and we are committed to helping train the next generation of occupational health professionals.

“Recently we welcomed Zoe to Alert Health. A newly qualified nurse, Zoe has decided to begin her career in the occupational health setting. It’s fantastic to watch our team of very experienced OH nurses and doctors support her training, and pass on their vast amount of industry specific knowledge.

“There is a fantastic talent pool here in the Highlands, and it’s important to create opportunities to learn and develop skills close to home. Many people feel they have to move away to get ahead in their career, but we want to show healthcare professionals that there are incredible job prospects on their doorstep.”

Formed in 2014 following a management buyout, Alert Health has grown into the leading provider of occupational health services for Inverness, the Highlands and Islands, and Moray.

Initially focused on oil and gas, the company has grown to provide business critical services to firms working in renewables, manufacturing, transport, distilling, construction, leisure, amongst other sectors.

Building on its reputation as a quality provider of health surveillance, return-to-work assessments, fitness to work assessments and offshore medicals – amongst other services – the company plans to increase its focus on mental health throughout the year, as well as introducing a new online client portal.

Amy continued: “Over the last 10 years, there’s been a real shift in the public conversation around mental health. Many businesses have introduced a range of measures to destigmatise the subject, and mitigate the effect poor mental health can have on workers and company performance.

“Now there are studies showing the efficacy of mental health workplace support systems. It’s important that companies review and renew their mental health objectives, ensuring they continue to be effective and aligned with the company’s overarching health strategy.

“Our mental health specialist can work with companies to assess a company’s current position, identify gaps and make recommendations.”

Over the last 10 years, Alert Health has been on an upward trajectory – but it hasn’t always been smooth sailing.

Amy explained: “When Covid hit in 2020, our turnover halved overnight. Like many businesses, we found ourselves in a difficult position. However, we were determined to stick to our principles: early on we made a firm commitment not to profit from a global catastrophe.”

Since the world opened up again, Alert Health has continued to go from strength to strength.

In summer 2023, it moved its clinic to brand new, custom-fitted premises at Inverness Campus: a building and outdoor environment to match its high quality service and ethos of wellbeing.

The site, operated by Highlands & Islands Enterprise, is a hotbed for life sciences collaboration and research, allowing Alert Health to work with other local businesses and academics to explore areas of mutual interest and shared benefit.

Alert Health is an occupational health provider offering a range of medical assessment and testing options to businesses across the north of Scotland. Working with various industries – including oil and gas, renewables, construction, manufacturing, transport and leisure – Alert Health can provide a suite of work health services including pre-placement, compliance (offshore/ renewables), statutory (IR, asbestos, LGV), overseas and fitness for task medicals; absence management referrals; health surveillance, occupational/travel vaccinations, and workplace drug and alcohol testing.

For more information visit www.alerthealth.co.uk.