Lymphoedema and leaving NHS part time post and claiming I’ll hea/early retirement

[S-M-B]

Hello

I am a 50 year old part time employee now working as a secretary. Have lower leg lymphoedema bilaterally, previous 1995 pension until 2001. Rejoined as a part time secretary 2016 but find that even this short period sat down worsens lymphoedema. A little footrest made by the handyman does not suffice, nor the wearing of stockings. I do audio typing and so do move my feet a little but I can literally feel my legs getting bigger; pooling with fluid and increasing the pain and swelling. Wondering how to go about early retirement using ill health. I know I will not return to NHS full time work and therefore seems sensible to cash in now. The pain after sitting there and sometimes covering is becoming unbearable. Depression obviously makes me feel worse overall and I see little point trying to force my body to do something it can no longer do. Any advice please? Thank you

[Lynora]

Have you spoken to HR? Citizens Advice Bureau may also be helpful.

Is your lymphoedema specialist aware of your situation? Your clinic should be able to give different options for garments which may be more appropriate.

[AnneBury]

The Citizens Advice Bureau are good for such matters. However, have you been referred to Occupational Health? - have you looked at your Conditions of Employment? - they should outline the principles for an ill health retirement, as should the paper work for your pension scheme. Ideally discussing your concerns with your line manager should lead them to discuss with HR and then for an Occupational Health referral. My HR experience is that you will not get an ill health pension without occupational health saying you are not fit for work (on an on going basis). Really, you should start with your line manager - they are responsible for your well being at work.

[Mary-intussuception]

Are you a member of a Union or any such organisation?

Do you have any access to free telephone legal advice?

[Hidden]

Hello,

Just written a long reply to your post and managed to lose it 😡.

Briefly, I worked in local government and feel your conditions of employment will be similar to mine although I know things have changed.

I was entitled to any aids that would permit me to do my job so post BC Lymphoedema I was given a new chair with an extra wide arm rest and 10 mins to get up and move around in each 2 hours I was desk bound.

Those things helped me considerably and were actioned by my line manager.

Ultimately I was made redundant at 59 anyway when the govt decided we didn't need any services for young people.

I feel 50 is very young to retire. I think you have made a start exploring what yr employer can do for you but, as others have said ask again. If the reply is not helpful then perhaps ask the question about another job that might be more suitable for you with the same employer.

I wish you all the best.

Wendy