Need advice- what might Occupational Health say and how should I respond?

[Tras]

Hi was due back to work today after 9months m/l. However have told them I am going on s/l and Dr gave me sick line for 1 month citing stress. My manager told me that they will probably send me to Occupational Health. Bit worried about what they might ask and how should I respond?

Background
Have had PND since my daughter was 8wks. We havent had an easy time and the stress had an impact upon my emotional health.

DD had colic, lactose intolerance and severe reflux which only eased 3wks ago. 3 wks ago she also had an operation for a dislocated hip and is now in a body cast for the next 3 months followed by a harness for 3 months.

I really am not trying to take the piss. Before finding out that my DD was having an operation, i had approached work to organise my return and was requesting a 4 day wk. I just dont feel able to go back now and struggle with the thought of leaving my DD. Am experiencing anxiety ie heart palpatations etc.

My work provides full pay for up to 6months and I am afraid that O/H will try to not pay this. Can they do that? Can they make me return earlier? Any advice/experiences welcome

[lelarose]

Have you been diagnosed by a dr with anxiety or depression? As long as you have a valid sick line stating that you are suffering from stress/one of the above I don't see how they can treat you any differently than if you had any other kind of illness.

I would contact somewhere like citizens advice or any employee rights organisation or try mental health organisations such as Mind.

Sorry I don't know enough about the law or your work in particular to be anymore helpful but just wanted to reply as I think it's dreadful for you to be worrying about this when you have every right (in my eyes anyway) to some time off. Good luck.

[willsurvivethis]

They are likely to be ultra cautious as tribunals will come down like a ton of bricks on anything that smacks of discriminating against women returning from mat leave.

They are entitled to get OH involved, it is good practice and early involvement often reduces the time people are off work.

They can't overrule what your doctor says (s/he has said you are unfit to work for one month)just like that. They can ask you to see an occupational medic. My hunch is that they just want to chat to you to see where things are, when you think you will be back and what they can do to speed up your return, ie give you support.

[Keziahhopes]

Hi,
many companies contact OH if a sick note is for a certain time length - they may be obliged to be their policies, to ensure they are offering right support etc, whether any changes can be made on return to work (such as phased return etc, part-time to start with).

Also OH can offer you support. I found being honest with OH about my situation helpful. Is your gp able to get you support now off sick, to assist you? If you can tell OH what diagnosis is, what you requested from gp etc to improve your situation then they will see you as proactive, in my own experience.