OH Assessment update

[LouLouT]

Hey,

I did a post the other day with concerns about speaking to occupational health. I had my telephone assessment today and I'm feeling quite deflated.

It didn't get off to the best start as the advisor/ nurse was 50mins late calling me! And only called me because I rang to find out what the delay was.

The person who called didn't speak English very well and was difficult to understand. I had prepared 2x A4 pages worth of notes to ensure I didn't forget anything. This included all my symptoms, how it affected me day to day, painkillers etc. The phone call only lasted 22 mins and I wasn't asked how my symptoms affect me day to day, I wasn't even asked what my symptoms are. Is this normal?

She simply asked me what was causing my short term absenses from work so I explained I had a lap and have been diagnosed with endo and interstitial cystitis and have been in pain for a long time. And that I take Naproxen and cocodamol but will review this with my gyne at my post op app. I also relayed what the gyne had told me after my lap and the complications I had. I was then asked if I suffer from any other medical conditions which I do.

...that was it done 😳

She read back through what we had discussed and I think she said something like recommending I take regular breaks away from my desk and that she will put together a treatment plan for me. By this point I'd said "pardon?" So many times because I couldn't understand her I was too embarrassed to keep asking her to repeat herself 🙈

I really hoped this would help get me more support at work but as they didn't even ask my symptoms I don't see how a treatment plan could be successful.

Very disappointed 😔

Xx

[Starry]

Big hugs. What a downer. Amazing how different oh providers are I guess. So sorry it did not go very well. Xxx

[luthien]

wow, glad it's not just me. mine was pretty much the same, didn't really focus much on my symptoms, and said take lots of breaks...they listed all my sick days and didn't understand that they're all linked.

have you had your report emailed? if you chose that option? I got mine, there's not much on it.

it's advice for work to follow, which is annoying, as work doesn't have to follow it

[Hannah27]

I have to say I've also had horrible experiences with occupational health. One advised I get a hysterectomy then suggested a hot water bottle!?

I think for them it's just a box ticking exercise. As long as its documented and noted so they have a list of your symptoms then you have done everything you can. I'm so sorry you feel deflated, I hope you feel better soon. It's horrible when you build yourself up as well only for it to be a let down.

Sending big hugs xxx

[LouLouT]

Thanks everyone for your support and advice, sorry I haven't replied sooner. It's all been too much and I needed some time away to think and focus on my own wellbeing.

I've since had a meeting with HR and recieved my report. The meeting was mostly positive, I hadn't realised that HR had provided a lot of information to OH before my assessment. However, I still do not understand why I wasn't asked about my symptoms and how they affect me day to day.

The OH report advised that my duties should be adjusted so I will discuss this further with my manager but it seems as though I will become more project based in my role (which is already a main focus for me already). I have an allocated parking space so i don't have to walk too far (this is to be reviewed in a few weeks). And I've been given access to the first aid room which has a bed, chair and blankets so if I'm feeling unwell I've been told I can use this room when ever required. It locks from the inside so I'll have privacy and has its own toilet. At the moment I'm working reduced hours but will be increasing back to full time over the next few weeks, I've been made to feel pressured in to this by HR. They are also going to review my absence target with the view to increase it with the understanding that there will most likely be future absences due to the condition.

The one negative from the report is that in response to the question whether I was covered under the Equality act the advisor stated "unlikely, as her daily activities are not affected and she has not been taking medication for more than 12 months." I was not asked about my symptoms and I wasn't asked how my day to day life is affected. I also wasn't asked what medications I take and how long I have been taking them for. I've done some research and from what I've read I would be covered by the equality act. How long I've been taking medications is a completely irrelevant point and is not something that's required to meet the criteria of a disability. I've spoken to my partner who has advised me to write an email to the senior OH advisor and copy in HR detailing my concerns.

The report is very brief but has provided some insight for my employer. They seem to want to support me but I feel as though if I can't recover in the time they expect there will be consequences. HR have told me that if I continue to have absences I may be put on a PIP form. I have always hated injustice and this has really hit a nerve, wish me luck it looks like the fight has started just to be treated fairly.

Xx