Re :receiving gov/gp letter about vulnerability and self isolation

[Topcar]

Hi my GP called to say I was in the increased risk group but not extremely vulnerable , so as I am classed as a key worker (NHS) Ideally I should only work if social distancing /avoiding patient contact could be observed, OHS also advised the same!! BUT neither said they could order me to not work and would support my decision either way. Hope this helps. I have a very vulnerable husband so although I'm presently battling with my conscience, my family have convinced me to stay isolated with him for the time being.

[Blearyeyed]

You are making the right choice and should not feel guilty about it .

My Husband is Type 1 Diabetic and on the same High Risk but able to Social Distance rule for being a Key Worker as a Teacher maintaining Child Care for other Key Workers.

He , however, like you , not only had to take into consideration his own vulnerable status but also how his choice work outside the home would impact on me as I was in the Self Isolation Category , and am now in the Shielding Group.

He spoke to his Management weeks ago and began working remotely straightaway for My Safety as well as his own.

He will have to update the School as he goes and keep getting approval to Self Isolate over the next 12 weeks but his Managers have said this ongoing assessment has more to do with them being able to organise rotas and keep the "powers that be" happy that only those in the right situation are not available to work outside the Home. It isn't because he isn't eligible to Self Isolate.

If they aren't taking your Home Situation into consideration when they tell you to Stay at Home they do need reminding of the Rules being placed on your whole Home to help improve their understanding.

At the end of the day , as much as many Health Workers and School Teachers are desperate to play their part on the frontline and don't want to have to stay Home , they do need to work within the needs of their whole Family at Home . Sometimes they do need to Stay Home even if they are not High Risk.

I know this can cause conflicting feeling as they are all Caring People .

Practically speaking , however, your colleagues would encourage your choice too , they wouldn't want people to work who are more at risk and see their friends of friends families get sick because they didn't stay at home.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

My daughters are both in the highly vulnerable group - one is an ECP and about to move to the ED. The Occy Health department in her hospital brooked no arguments, home on medical suspension. The other, a nurse, has discussed it with her manager and OH and they were going to do a risk assessment to identify a suitable role for her as she is insisting on working. Her daughter, who is also at risk because of severe asthma, has already moved to her boyfriend's house as his mother is on chemo and must shield anyway so that made a lot of sense.

But I pointed out that once this is past there will be great need for staff who are not exhausted - so guilt shouldn't come into it. Maybe you could volunteer for contacting vulnerable people who live alone? I'd suggest that to the ECP daughter but she can't cope on the phone, not even to me!!!!

[Hidden]

I agree with the others...right decision for your family and you will be needed when the crisis recedes. 🌻

[bakingD]

I am an Oncology nurse and OH said I was in the more at risk group but that it was up to me and my manager.I had a chat and it was left up to me to decide-when it went pear shaped last weekend I decided to stop working-am on 6 mg Pred but not very well controlled so wake up in pain early am most days.I do feel awful about it but think we deserve some slack.once this is over things will get back to normal and you can work really hard then and give your colleagues a break.Also remember nobody e ok we is in your situation.Don’t feel bad!I gave volunteered to help deliver medicines.good luck!

[BeeEmmBee]

Could you live with yourself and your family if you resumed work and your husband passed away? If the answer if NO, then your decision is clear and you should not feel any guilt. However, I wonder whether any of the family members who want you not to resume work can help in any way without bringing additional risks to you and your husband?