[Fishermen in Finnmark--the use of occupational medicine in the context of public health. A project within the Health and Unequality program in Finnmark]

Abstract

In the municipality of Nordkapp the occupational health care unit is closely integrated with primary medicine, and is used in public health work. The article discusses the practical experiences of such an arrangement in relation to health problems among fishermen. The various types of projects presented are organised through cooperation between the occupational health care unit, the recipient enterprises and various public institutions. This way of working produces new and creative relationships for the primary health services. Moreover, new channels are being opened up towards the recipient enterprises. The whole arrangement furthers more solid cooperation, the health service being very well aware of the risk of medicalization.