NHS employee too!
Hi Hopehasgone
I haven't posted for a while but feel I need to, hopefully to help you. I was a medical secretary for 10 years at my local hospital when I slipped two discs in my back in 2009. I had a microdiscectomy in June 2010 which unfortunately made things worse. I had not been able to work during this time at all. Then in October I was called to a meeting with a senior manager, my manager and occupational health. I had a meeting with occupational health for an hour before the one with the managers and she warned me that they were starting down the path of dismissal on the grounds of capability. I was floored because up until now I had received only support. At this meeting I was given a verbal warning and was then told they would contact my surgeon, my GP and physio to see what was the diagnosis. The day before Christmas Eve I was called to another meeting where we discussed the fact that I was now on the list for fusion surgery, which occupational health was trying to make sure was done urgently. They asked if I still intended to come back to work once fixed and I assured them I did as I loved my job. The manager made it sound as if they were just doing what they had to do and said they were happy to wait longer, but they had no choice but to now issue a written warning. I was devastated to get this just before Christmas but as they were still keeping my job open I tried not to worry. In February I still didn't have a date for the fusion operation but had had my pre op so knew it would be soon. However, they said they could wait no longer, that other staff were suffering stress due to my absence and they were going to dismiss me on capability grounds. This meant I still got almost a redundancy payout but no job. I cried for weeks. I was not in the union so they couldn't help. I was advised by occupational health to appeal as they had advised HR to wait until after my surgery but management ignored them. I did initially appeal but then my surgery date came through for April and I decided I had enough to deal with and withdrew it.
After my fusion I have been left mostly bed and housebound and unable to work. I applied for medical retirement which I have received, but because I got it after I left I only got a very small amount. If they had medically retired me whilst in work I would have had my pension enhanced by two thirds. I wish I knew this at the time, it's cost me at £300 a month.
So please don't let them treat you like they are. Join the union immediately as they can help you if you need to fight any decisions. Also occupational health are supposed to be there to support you and you need to tell them you are being pressurised about returning to work. This is against the NHS policy and your manager could be in a lot of trouble. You also need to tell them that you are expected to ring in every week, which as you are signed off sick is unreasonable and is causing you stress. Tell them you feel bullied and it is making you unwell. If you get no support you need to take them to a tribunal. It sounds as if they are hoping you will leave but don't, this is not your fault. Also before you go back to work they have a duty to provide you with a suitable work area, including a chair which won't hurt you. You are also entitled to a slow return to work and you can add any holiday you want to this to extend the period if you want.
Anyway that's a lot of information in one go. Please let me know if you want anymore advice, as a former NHS employee I have been where you are and know how it feels. Hang in there. I hope things Improve for you soon.
Wend x
Hi Wend,
I am sorry to hear of your work woes, and I am also sorry to hear about your failed surgeries.
At work, my situation has not gone that far ahead, but my situation is different in one critical way. I am on a contract until November. Of course, my illness is very inconvenient for them, especially since my current sick note covers me until mid July and I only workd from November 2012 to Christmas. I briefly went back in February and March, but it became quite clear my body could not manage. I think if surgery is confirmed, they may wait until after the procedure to see if I heal up and feel up to work. However, I don't have a date for the operation, so I do not know what will happen.
I know I need to have the operation, and if it is successful I will not return to work until I know I can do it. If they fire me, then I will have to accept that. My health is the most important thing.
I don't know what else to say but I do feel that employment is certainly an issue for people who have slipped discs etc. The surgical route is usually a last resort and most employers are probably at the end of their tether by that point anyway, so waiting for people to recover from surgery is probably another nagative in their eyes because they have to accept they will have to wait until that time and cannot reasonably expect the employee to return straight away.
I just hope everything works out alright, but it is very stressful, especially at a time when I am already so depressed and anxious.
At least you got the ill health retirement. I haven't worked for them long enough and I was not on the pension scheme so I won't get anything like that.
We will see. I am trying to concentrate on recovering. We can cross that bridge when we get there, but thanks for your post and your support.
I A