Hi all. I'm new here. Just writing for some. Advice. I have had asthma since little but it doesn't really affect me unless I'm ill these days. When I have cold if it goes on my chest I normally need a course of steroids. I am an NHS worker and sonso worried about the corona virus. My boss will not let me work from home despite me being able to. My anxiety is through the roof. Anyone have any reassurance or advice for me re my work and anxiety?
Thanks guys xxx
So sorry to hear you're in such a predicament right now! As a fellow asthmatic who also suffers from anxiety, I truly feel for you. Is there anyone else who can help give you permission to work from home (someone more senior/HR/I'm not sure how it works there!); perhaps even discussing the impact it's having on your mental health? Otherwise, I wonder if you could seek some therapeutic support to help you cope with the anxiety side? I heard there are lots of psychotherapists gearing up to support NHS workers through this time. If you can't access such support through work, maybe via your own surgery or even on a private basis. Some practitioners operate online if that's more convenient for you, e.g. harleytherapy.com. In the meantime, focus on those aspects you can control - trusting that you're using all the PPE that you can, following distancing measures, careful hygiene etc. while at work. Out of work, still follow these measures and do whatever you can to relax and take care of yourself. Prioritise good balanced meals, relaxing baths, breathing techniques, mindfulness, any hobbies you enjoy, talking to your friends and family, etc. Steer clear of too much virus talk/news away from work. Wish I could say more, but trust you're not alone!
Thank you for your reply. I am going to speak to HR tomorrow and get their advice. And I will speak to someone I work with about the anxiety. Hope you feel less anxious soon lovely and thank you again for your reply xxx
Just wondering how you're getting on - did you manage to speak with HR? Hope you've also been given some info on the new services set up specifically for NHS staff: england.nhs.uk/2020/04/nhs-... Xx
I am exactly the same.. also work for the nhs. It's also completely impossible to practice social distancing in a hospital with so many staff around. Have you rung HR? They were brilliant when I spoke to ours. I have a requested a room on my own to work in if they cant provide that.. I have to work from home. Have you done a risk assessment? Xx
No I'm doing it tomorrow with her. I just feel like I'm putting my life at risk so she can feel superior. Have you got mild asthma too or is it worse than mine?
Hello Violet. I'm so cross at the number of times I have to write the same thing for NHS staff. Not cross with you but at a health care employer that disregards the health of their own staff!
Contact HR & explain that as an asthmatic you are covered by the Equality Act 2010 and as such you require an occupational health review ASAP. The review will take into consideration your illness and the risks of exposure to Covid-19 in the workplace. The review will suggest reasonable adjustments to protect you and my guess is that they will recommend working from home. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if HR go straight to that conclusion if you tell them it's possible to work from home but your manager is being awkward despite your obvious health issues.
The government has made it crystal clear that if you can work from home your employer should facilitate that.
On all fronts the manager is ignoring the law and current government instructions.
Hi Poobah,
Thank you for your advice. It's such a difficult situation to be in. I need to take care of myself first though especially if all aspects of my role can be done from home. Have you had experience of this yourself? I will phone HR tomorrow xxx
Before I retired I worked for a government agency and was the health & safety rep which evolved into being the general rep. These roles kept me busy! But I tried really hard to support and educate managers who were left to get on with things as HR became centralised and digitised.
I found myself filling a void left by HR. But I myself had enlightened managers who trusted my work and so I didn't really have to worry about my own situation. Not all managers were as good and they were very cynical about the very processes designed to support and help people stay in work. They were hard work! But because I knew what it was like as an asthmatic with fluctuating health trying to stay healthy and avoid sick absence I could understand staff who were struggling and who asked for my help.
No one is immune to bad health and so I believe that we should treat others how we would wish to be treated.
I could tell you some real horror stories about rogue managers - but all cases came good in the end as the law stood in our corner.
Good luck and remember that you're only asking for what you're legally entitled to.
Thank you so much xxx
Hi, also work for the NHS. Have also got mild asthma which returned after 7 years. I will start prednisolone short course therapy so will not be back to work until i have finished it for 5 days. My work will require me handle covid patients. I haven’t spoken to my line manager about the plan for me but my GP has already advised that since as someone with asthma i belong in the at risk group and management will have to decide. My worry is, i was told they will not give me a letter as it is only for those who are shielding. Now i worry if my manager will be funny about it. I don’t know where to start with this.
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