Jury service: Well I am still waiting for a... - PSP Association

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Jury service

gypsywoman1947 profile image
21 Replies

Well I am still waiting for a reply to my request to be excused from Jury service as I am full time carer. Phoned them and was told carers are not exempt but I could request to be excused with a covering letter.

Hopefully I will hear soon and will let you all know.

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gypsywoman1947 profile image
gypsywoman1947
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21 Replies
NannaB profile image
NannaB

They are taking their time aren't they. When are you supposed to be going? I wonder what full time carers are supposed to do if they are not exempt then; pay for carers to come in. Anyone can say they are a carer so I expect if you sent a covering letter maybe from the GP ( at a huge cost no doubt) or diagnosis letter from the neurologist they would take notice.

I hope you here soon.

X

gypsywoman1947 profile image
gypsywoman1947 in reply to NannaB

Well on the form it says to put reasons and not to send a doctors letter until asked . However on the phone I was informed that if I have to go they pay for carer. I pointed out in my letter that as I am up half the night caring I can't see how I would be making sound judgement ! August 10 for 2 weeks I'm supposed to attend. I just don't see how they can expect a carer to sit on jury all day wondering what's happening at home, be awake half the night and do chores when they get home !! My GP support advisor tells me she knows of a carer who had to do it , care was paid for.

NannaB profile image
NannaB in reply to gypsywoman1947

That's ridiculous. I fell asleep on Sunday talking to my brother who was sitting next to me, drink spilling all over me and him. He said he can't understand how I could fall asleep, I was mid sentence! No one would get a fair trial with me on the jury.

X

gypsywoman1947 profile image
gypsywoman1947 in reply to NannaB

That's what I told them NannaB, and even if I had a goods night sleep I would be wondering how the carer was coping !! Mind would not be on the case in hand.

Watch this space xx

york profile image
york in reply to NannaB

I've done exactly the same I work full time and then care for my mother through the night . I get half way through a conversation with my husband,fall asleep then he wakes me up laughing. Then when it's time for bed I'm wide awake arghhh

Well, that is absurd, isn't it? Hopefully you will be excused. However, and you didn't hear this from me, :) if you happen to fall asleep during jury selection...

gypsywoman1947 profile image
gypsywoman1947

My thoughts too.

Heady profile image
Heady

The time aspect would be worrying me, how on earth are you going to find carers to look after your husband at short notice? I think a trip to the GP, to put yourself under him, sleeping pills or anti depressants might do the trick! Then at least on the first day, you could go with them inside you and fall asleep during the selection process!!! Might work. Keep fighting.

Lots of love

Heady

Amilazy profile image
Amilazy

Just a thought get a couple of quotes for respite care for the jury service period and include them with the GP along with the reason why you cannot do day service and night care. It may scare them with cost implications. Best wishes Tim

pspa-helpline profile image
pspa-helplinePartnerPSPA

Hi Gypsy Woman 1947

Sorry to hear of the issues you are having with regards attending jury service. Your GP should be able to support you with a letter explaining how difficult it is going to be for you to attend. However if you would like us to support you in any way with this please do contact the PSP helpline either via phone 0300 0110 122 or email helpline@pspassocation.org.uk

gypsywoman1947 profile image
gypsywoman1947 in reply to pspa-helpline

Thank you , I have just telephoned them this morning and a doctors letter is not required yet , it is under review, and I will be asked for one if needed, I am told . I will certainly call you if I need help.

gypsywoman1947 profile image
gypsywoman1947

Thanks for all your comments everyone, having not received a reply yet I telephoned the Jury summoning office and my case is being assessed. I am quite hopeful it will all turn out ok and I will be excused , but in the meanwhile it's added hassle and stress . On top of this we have had to sell up and are in the process of moving to a bungalow because of this illness, it's all just too much to cope with some days. One thing is enough , as you will all know.

Regards to all.

york profile image
york in reply to gypsywoman1947

Hope you get it all sorted and soon

gypsywoman1947 profile image
gypsywoman1947 in reply to york

Thank you for your comments ,will post when I hear from them

Heady profile image
Heady

I think it's the little things that get to me the most. Big things, well you know it's going to be hard and take your time dealing with them. But the little things are just sprung on us, with no warning and demand instant attention, that we can't give. Like Muhammad Ali, punching below the belt, in his hey day!

Lots of love

Heady

gypsywoman1947 profile image
gypsywoman1947 in reply to Heady

Very true Heady , at the moment it's forms forms and more forms!!

horsegirl profile image
horsegirl

I had to do that, and they excused me for a year. Hospice wrote a letter for me to submit. Don't worry, they should honor it.

abirke profile image
abirke

so hows it going have you been relieved of jury duty yet. I can not imagine anything else than being relieved it's too expensive for the court system to take care of your husband when all they need to do is respect the drs letter and move on.....give us an update

gypsywoman1947 profile image
gypsywoman1947 in reply to abirke

No I have not had a reply , but I did telephone and I am told it is being looked at and I will hear this week , again I was told that being a carer does not automatically excuse one ! I gave an example of my worst day and of worst night scenario and it was " noted" !!! So I was told. Also told doctors letter not needed yet. It's a real queer way of running a system . Aug 10 I am due for service so they'll need to hurry up.

I will post as soon as I hear

abirke profile image
abirke in reply to gypsywoman1947

thanks for the reply. Sorry for their delay. Took them two years to recognize B had a true disorder. then they couldn't give us enough services. Now we are back to same ol stuff. I guess they are either one way or tuther. but I agree show them during jury selection what you do when you get to sit quietly...carry a towel for use as a pillow and drool catcher hahahhah

AVB

gypsywoman1947 profile image
gypsywoman1947 in reply to abirke

Yes , ha ha, they have NO idea, I don't think I will have to do it I painted a good picture. However it's another thing to think about at present which I can do without, Having to move house too for more suitable accommodation that's stressful enough too. Sooner I can cross jury service off list the better., I'd happily do it if it were possible, I have done it before about 10 years ago., it's interesting . Thanks for your interest , definitely post when I hear.

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