Worried about the future...

[Chukkin]

So I work in healthcare, and am returning to work tomorrow after 3 weeks off dealing with an admission and a chest infection.

Last year, after surgery to stick my lung to my chest wall after numerous lung collapses, I met with the Occupational Health dept and they labelled me as disabled. Now, I was 30 at the time and it hit me hard. I know that this doesn’t mean that I am legally disabled in the eyes of the law, but does offer some protection at work in the sense that my employers cannot dismiss me purely because of my “disability”, but can dismiss me in the sense that I can no longer fulfil my contract.

Like most of the working population, I worked hard to get where I am, and although I am not at the stage of being unable to fulfil my contracted role, I feel that with every setback and admission, I get closer and closer to that point.

I have had a lot of sick leave over the space of 2018 (the first six months was spent in and out of hospital, including ICU, dealing with sepsis from a wound in my arm, and complicated by the steroids I take for my brittle asthma). I understand the position my manager is in, and know that it must play on her mind that one minute I’m fine and the next I need a month off to deal with illness - and how it would be so much easier for her with a healthy member of staff. Essentially, I feel like I am stuck in limbo and playing a massive waiting game, and I don’t know how I will be able to cope should they turn around and tell me that they don’t feel I should be working anymore.

I’m frightened. I have two University degrees and work in an operating theatre. Yes it’s a stressful job at times, but I enjoy what I do, and have worked far too hard to just let it be ripped away at the age of 31.

I suppose my question is this: has anyone else encountered this situation and how did you cope? I have seen that getting any sort of disability allowance (although I don’t think it’s called that anymore) is very difficult to get when it comes to asthma and I would imagine that employers with super-flexibility in terms of illness are hard to come by!

Apologies for the long post, it’s been playing on my mind for a while, and I know I am facing a disciplinary meeting tomorrow as I have had over the “allowed” number of sick days this period.

[Denae011]

Hi i also work in nhs. I to have severe brittle asthma. I've had quite a lot of time off also. I saw occupational health a few times and they were great. My manager is also very good. You can clam pip for your severe asthma and how it affects you even if you work. I don't think they can dismiss you on the grounds of your disability as long as you fulfil your job description and contract. Speak to your manager about this.

[Chukkin in reply to Denae011]

Hiya, my manager is wonderful and has been so supportive! I know that they legally can not dismiss me purely on the basis of my disability, but I feel that with every period of time off, I am getting to the point where fulfilling my job description is becoming questioned.

[Keithr24]

Hello. I share your anxieties, and while 52 habebhit the point where each day i wonder is something going to haooen, and breath a sigh of relief at the end of the day.

I spent 6mths of work, and returned slowly and still have good days and bad days. I am fortunate thay my job was changed and work could not be more flexible in where and when I work.... As long as the job is done.

Like you i can see the predicament they are in when I am ill... And often think would be best throwing in the towel.

After this last admission part of my treatment was to attend the respiratory psychologist.... And while I hate to admit it.... Was really useful.

For me my game plan is to reduce my hrs so I can pace myself and habe a family life, and hopefully be able to work a few years longer than expected.

It is a worryinf time amd I hope OH and your manager are prepared to listen m to your concerns, as they do add tonthe stress.

All the best with work. Take care

[Hidden]

I’m not in medical. I was in special education and there were areas in that field I liked and areas I most definitely didn’t like.

But my point is that there were areaS—plural.

I would think an operating theater needs to have predictable staff. There’s probably a real excitement to what you do, but...I have friends who do Home visiting nursing who have loved it.

MAYBE a different branch of your specialty would be easier on you and you wouldn’t be sick as much.

I get what you’re saying. I’m retired. I have a seasonal job that requires me to have that butt in my chair doing the work, because the company has deadlines. I was removed from a project once when I had to have an emergency gallbladder removal. I was out ONE too many days. You lose your edge if you’re out too long.

Then once I got pneumonia. That had me out several weeks so I was pulled from that project. But they were able to put me on another project.

Anyway, my point is that with some compromise on both sides there’s probably a spot you can fill. The arm sounds like a one-off thing. Maybe you would personally benefit from a less strenuous position.

Look for a win-win. It may be in there somewhere. I hope you’ll let us know how it works out.

[Spikedog66]

Hi so sorry you having such an awful time you have been so poorly and had a lot to contend with. I worked for the nhs for 38yrs and left on Ill health. By law they have to offer you employment elsewhere in your hospital to suit your needs if where your work does not help your illness e.g. Anesthetic gases etc. Before they terminate your contract.You are young and intelligent and can maybe do something else in the nhs less stressful. Do you take a union rep with you or a family member to these meetings?? They are very intimidating!! Giving up a job you love is sad but you can learn to love something else. If you need any advice please contact me they did put me through hell and I know I'm older but you will survive. Chin up 😊

[Becca91]

I dont have the answer but i just wanted to drop in and say your not alone in this one. Im a nurse and in exactly the same position and its breaking me mentally as i feel im waiting for them to say enough is enough. Im only 27!

I have till Jan to show some improvement and its not looking great as im off atm after another ICU admission.

I really hope things work our for you!