A normal scan and pressure to return to work

Setting: An emergency department discharge conversation

A patient observed after head injury has a CT showing no acute intracranial abnormality and remains stable, but has a mild headache. They operate warehouse machinery and have not been cleared for those duties. GP review is planned within three days.

Task

Explore work pressure and the interpretation of the scan.
Explain what is reassuring and what remains to be reviewed.
Respond to a request for immediate clearance.
Check the plan and contact route.

Fictional head-injury discharge and work plan

The patient has not been cleared for warehouse machinery duties. A normal CT does not itself provide that clearance.
GP review is requested within three days to reassess symptoms and provide work advice.
Partner stays with the patient for the first 24 hours after discharge under this supplied plan.
For worsening headache, repeated vomiting, new confusion or difficulty waking, use the urgent help route on the discharge card immediately.
Use the GP practice contact for review and work-documentation arrangements. Do not promise a return date before reassessment.

Fictional scenario information supplied by the treating team; not medical guidance for real patients.