Hi all, I work for the NHS in a non-clinical role (GP surgery) and was off for 14 days due to viral/flu-like symptoms (which thankfully have subsided).
I'm due to return to work tomorrow but my commute is a lengthy one with 2 forms of public transport. I am also living with my mother, who will be 70 this year and has underlying health conditions - I think you can see where this is going....
My anxiety has been at an all time high the past few days, as I feel I'm torn between wanting to return to work and extending my self-isolation period, in order to minimise potential risk to my mother/others in the vulnerable group.
In a way I feel so guilty for considering the stay at home option, as I know many NHS workers will still be going into work as usual. I have contacted my employer with my concerns, waiting for a reply.
I struggle with long-term anxiety and depression.
Anyone else in a similar situation?
Written by
ZM1980
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I’m not in your situation. I am about your moms age though. My thoughts turned to alternatives you might have between not working and working. But that brings up question I can’t answer. Like, can your mom care for herself? Maybe for 5 days at a time. Is there a way for you to stay overnight at work or with a coworker or friend A few days a week? This would minimize your moms exposure and enable you to serve others as well. You are likely capable of setting up a protocol for reentering your home to minimize what you bring home. I hope your work will be able to offer some alternatives too. Let me know how this works out for you and your mom?
Hi 4woody, thanks for your reply. Thankfully my mum is still capable of looking after herself, but unfortunately I'm not in a position where I could stay with anyone locally, as they're all in the at risk group aswell! Family members don't live locally. Still waiting to hear from work, but will let you know what happens.
Hope you're keeping well in these uncertain times.
Work have emailed back and it's not the reply I thought I'd receive. To sum things up, they said they understand my concerns, but transport is safe to use and they are expecting me back tomorrow - if I don't turn up, will count as unauthorised absence. So very supportive, as you can see!
I'll probably reluctantly go to work tomorrow - or make up some other reason why I can't go in! My mum seems less concerned about this than I am - she would prefer it if I could avoid work, but says if it's necessary to go in, I should. Will see how things go tomorrow!
Thank you ☺ So far things have been going smoothly at work and transport is not too busy, so I have been managing, just being very cautious with cleanliness, staying in as much as possible. Although one of the GPs had to leave work due to a worsening cough! Otherwise all is ok
Hope work understand whats going on. My thoughts are wont you be living with a high risk patient and if working, maybe transferring the virus? That could be incorrect, but heard that on tv from doctor earlier today
Hi Witsend8, thanks. Yes that's what I'm concerned about - I'm more worried about potentially passing the virus on to my mother, who is high risk. Work don't seem to understand, as from their response they have said they are expecting me back tomorrow, understand my concerns etc but TFL haven't said transport is unsafe! So basically turn up, or will be unauthorised absence - so much for understanding! Hope you are keeping well
Thank you. Unfortunately I don't belong to a union and workplace is small, not even a HR dept! There is a general public helpline for all workers (ACAS), so they may be able to offer further advice. xx
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