Offshore Health and Safety: The Critical Role of Clinical Governance Leads

In offshore environments where immediate access to hospitals is unavailable, the importance of robust medical support cannot be overstated. At TAC Healthcare, we specialise in providing offshore medics and topside medical support. A key pillar of our service is the involvement of a Clinical Governance Lead - a role that’s vital in maintaining safety, compliance, and high standards of care offshore.

How Does a Clinical Governance Lead Support Offshore Teams?

A Clinical Governance Lead plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity and performance of offshore medical operations. Their support includes:

• Standardising protocols across installations to ensure consistent care
• Providing virtual training and monitor performance via tele-audits for offshore medics
• Monitoring performance metrics and incident reporting trends
• Ensuring compliance with regulations such as the HSE’s Offshore Installations and Pipeline Works (First-Aid) Regulations 1989
• Implementing risk management tools 
• Encouraging adoption of health IT systems, while respecting local infrastructure limitations 
• Delivering data-driven feedback to improve safety, efficiency, and clinical outcomes

This comprehensive approach ensures that offshore teams are not only supported but empowered to deliver the highest standard of care in isolated environments.

Margaret Boyd is the Clinical Governance Lead at TAC Healthcare, bringing over 17 years of international experience in the offshore industry, with a specialist focus on the diving sector. She has a strong background in managing offshore medical facilities and safety management systems, ensuring compliance with UK and international legislation. Margaret delivers high standards in clinical governance, auditing, and gap analysis, and is known for designing and implementing fully compliant offshore medical facilities tailored to the unique needs of remote operations. Her expertise ensures excellence, safety, and regulatory compliance in even the most challenging environments.

Why Are Medical Reviews Needed Offshore?

Medical reviews are a legal and operational necessity for offshore installations. They ensure that the sickbay is fully equipped, compliant, and staffed with trained medical personnel capable of responding to emergencies in remote locations.

Without these reviews, companies risk:

• Regulatory non-compliance and associated fines
• Potential shutdowns of operations
• Inadequate medical response during emergencies

At TAC Healthcare, we offer a full suite of offshore medical reviews, including clinical audits, equipment assessments, compliance checks, and performance evaluations - all aligned with standards from HSE, OEUK, HSE’s Offshore Installations and Pipeline Works (First-Aid) Regulations 1989 and more.

What Is a Medical Gap Analysis and Why Is It Important?

A medical gap analysis is a structured evaluation that compares the current capabilities of a sickbay - such as staffing, equipment, protocols, and emergency readiness - against regulatory requirements and best practice guidelines (e.g., OEUK, HSE, Norwegian PSA etc).

This process identifies deficiencies in:

• Equipment functionality and condition of the facility
• Medic qualifications and training
• Adherence to emergency protocols
• Accuracy of record-keeping
• Emergency preparedness
• Infection control measures and hygiene standards

By addressing these gaps, offshore teams can dramatically improve their readiness, compliance, and risk management.

Signs That an Offshore Sickbay Needs Urgent Review or Upgrade

It’s essential to identify when a sickbay is no longer fit for purpose. Urgent red flags include:

• Expired or malfunctioning equipment (e.g., defibrillators, medications)
• Non-compliance with HSE or OEUK regulations
• Lack of qualified or appropriately trained medical staff
• Outdated or missing emergency protocols
• Poor hygiene or inaccessible facilities
• No recent emergency drills or weak response coordination
• Inadequate telecoms or IT issues impacting topside support
• Recent incidents exposing clinical deficiencies or safety risks

Tackling these issues promptly can prevent major incidents and ensure regulatory compliance.

Why Offshore Reviews Should Be Led by Clinically Experienced Professionals

When clinical professionals with real-world offshore experience lead medical reviews, the results are not only compliant but practically effective and tailored to the unique challenges of offshore life.

Their specialised knowledge allows them to:

• Understand the pressures and limitations of remote environments
• Provide realistic, achievable recommendations
• Identify critical risks that may be overlooked by non-clinical personnel
• Enhance communication between offshore teams and onshore governance

At TAC, our reviews are conducted by experienced clinical professionals and overseen by our Clinical Governance Lead, ensuring exceptional service and reliable compliance.

Partner With TAC for Offshore Medical Excellence

Whether it’s supporting your offshore teams, auditing your facilities, or ensuring regulatory compliance, our governance-led approach delivers consistent, safe, and high-quality care. By combining clinical leadership with offshore experience, TAC helps your operations stay protected, compliant, and prepared - no matter how remote the environment.

📩 Contact us today to learn more about how our offshore medical team can support your organisation. Call us on 0333 014 3488 or email businessdevelopment@tachealthcare.com.