Does anyone have experience of occupational therapists?

[Butterfly28]

My sister was advised that her employer was going to involve their occupational therapist to do an assessment to gain information about her return to work/timeframes She consented to being contacted by the therapist. She is a long way off returning to work, finds phone calls and electronic devices difficult, mornings are a no no, sensory overload easily triggered. All of this has been communicated to her employer.

She had a couple of missed calls from the therapist (both mornings) then one call that I took and arranged a suitable time for her to talk to my sister. The manner of the call was fine - no background noise. That time came and went so we left a message saying we would call back in an hour after my sisters rest. The call took place - my sister couldn’t cope as there were lots of birds singing in the background. She has now been told she won’t have another chance at this call - I gather it was meant to be a welfare call (this hadn’t been communicated to my sister) I have complained about this as my sister just couldn’t cope with the background noise and have effectively been told to move on. I think this is wrong but fear causing as issue for my sister. Any thoughts?

[New_beginning]

That be occupational health, sister to call her line manager and manager to should provide extra info, barriers on form for OH to redo

[Butterfly28 in reply to New_beginning]

Thank you for your reply

[New_beginning in reply to Butterfly28]

I forgot to add; if you work and main support for your sister, I hope your employers have understanding on you too or you have support. It's becoming soul destroying and sad how people/organisations lack empathy and compassion these days despite making money from there so called company values or own social hype x

[Pairofboots]

Hi butterfly, I was going to check if it was occupational health. They are usually involved when there is long term sickness or to assess if reasonable adjustments can be made with regards to return. This should never be a one hit chance. As you explained, your sister found she couldn't cope with the call on that occasion. There is nothing to suggest that this will remain the case further into the future. It could be possible that it was causing undue stress and anxiety, as well as potentially discriminatory practice.

Headway is a good source of help, if your sister is in a union, then involve them, if not contact the law society to see if you can get free advice regarding employment legislation, or at least a cheap referral. Avoid the no win, no fee brigade, as no win usually means that they don't change, but they don't pay the other side either, you do.

I wish you and your sister well 🍀

[Butterfly28 in reply to Pairofboots]

Thank you - it was occupational health. I think the employer is using them to do a return to work assessment (a long way off) and to get a prognosis from her gp/ consultant.

I will follow up on your suggestions. It struck that the manner of this phone call was unfair and her line manager’s attitude that we should move on was unacceptable. The irony is that my sister works for a mental health charity. The whole experience caused her a lot of stress. Thank you for your observations.

[New_beginning in reply to Butterfly28]

It really shows the irony of it all. You and sister stand your ground. All the best x

[Pairofboots in reply to Butterfly28]

Strange I was a lead Nurse Specialist (MH) for a large Trust, they weren't too hot on the care front either, I had a long history with the union, and for a time, was chair of the branch. I got full pension, I did have oc health on my side, but it was good to have a rep to speak for me, and watch my back. At the time, I had enough trouble, and didn't have a hope of making my point, or remembering what the point was.

I had years of not really living, just surviving. I wish your sister a good recovery, and bless you for standing strong with your sister 🙏