Lone working/sole charge/on call nights

[WonkyChicken]

I have recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and am really struggling. I can just about manage to get through my working day. I have been taken off the on call rota at night for the moment but work have asked me when I can go back on the on call rota.

I currently do not feel happy or safe to be driving at a moment's notice in the middle of the night for a call out that could last hours on my own with chronic fatigue, brain fog and tremors. OH have suggested that I stay off the rota for at least 6 weeks but work want their shift covered ASAP.

What do you suggest? Does anyone else do on call at night and work the day shift either side as well? I'm feeling pressured.

It is important for you to know that I work full days and the on call night rota is in addition to days. You get no time off in lieu and no guaranteed rest period. Potentially working all day, called out half the night, then working all day the following day. It's a complete unknown.

[Hidden]

Morning Wonky

Ok firstly do not feel pressured to do anything, have you informed you employer of your diagnoses or do you have an HR department? From reading your post you really are putting your health at risk, would it be possible to talk to your GP and perhaps get some time off to rethink about how your going to manage.

So really what I am saying is speak to your employer explain your diagnosis they will have to sort something for you or speak to your GP and if you can afford to take some time out from work.

Warmest wishes

Panda

🐼

[WonkyChicken in reply to Hidden]

Thanks 🐼 I have explained everything to them and kept them informed from day 1 of investigations but I think they just don't realise or understand the impact on me. Plus it will leave them short on the rota which is what they're more worried about, typical

🙄I think I will talk to my GP then maybe ask for another Occupational health assessment.

Thanks

[Hidden in reply to WonkyChicken]

Absolutely, you shouldn’t have to put up or be treated like this, good luck 😊

🐼

[BTCCET in reply to WonkyChicken]

I agree completely with Panda, think about talking with your gp and if he/she doesn't suggest some time off for you to come to terms with your new situation, then ask for it to give you a bit of breathing space xx

[fenbadger in reply to WonkyChicken]

Absolutely. While they may be able to get rid on health grounds, there are still hoops to jump through. Even HR who have been "trained" havent a clue unless they have been through it themselves. OH is a good route to go. Even if there isnt an in house practitioner, they MUST get access to an independent one

[Spaghetti123]

Hi My suggestion is to ask for a referral back to occupational health via your manager.If you explain they will provide a report outlining why you can’t do this rota. Your manager has to adhere to this. I had to come off nights because with our condition the medication can cause side effects making it unsafe for you and for your patients. Absolutely do not go back on the Rota until you have had a further OH review. Otherwise you will have to involve your rep. Unfortunately your condition as many shift workers will tell you takes a toll on your body even without having fibro. It took me many years of struggling to finally admit l couldn’t do the shifts they wanted. In my OH report l was taken off nights and it was requested l had a break between shifts. I had a great manager and so it worked well. This is your opportunity to not only stop your night shifts but request a better shift pattern, Good Luck

[WonkyChicken in reply to Spaghetti123]

Thank you for that. It's very useful info. I'm glad it worked out well for you in the end.

[Spaghetti123 in reply to WonkyChicken]

Really work not your GP should be referring you. OH hold a great deal of weight and fibro is covered by the disability act. This worked for me but sadly l am off ill and unlikely to return.l wish l had been a bit braver in admitting l needed the help much earlier. So if l can offer any advice this is mine.. it’s a hidden disability and it’s not taken seriously by colleagues. We are our own worst enemies in putting on a brave face in covering it over when we feel bad. Carrying on like this will lead you to having a flare up and needing time off. Don’t be ashamed to admit you need adjustments and act sooner than later! Look after yourself and your own interests because as you are experiencing all they want is the rota covered and have no interest in the effect it will have on your health. X