Dr has advised me not to go back in September (teacher)

[IrisJoy]

I have just had an appointment with my consultant. They have advised me extremely strongly not to return to my school in September. I am a primary school teacher who has had a lung transplant.
I don't know why I am writing this really. Maybe it's a wwyd? Or would you judge me for not returning.
Unfortunately it's a new job so the school don't know me. I feel that I would be letting them down terribly. Especially as I don't know when it would be safe to go in.
I am wondering whether I need to resign from a job I haven't started. I don't know if I would be paid. I hope not in a way as I feel bad enough as it is.
I have emailed the head and I am waiting for her to get in contact.
It's so hard for a lot of people to understand,as the government are so adament that shielding has ended. Tbh I would be the same if I was 'healthy'.
Just after a few wise mumsnet words I suppose....

You do you - in your shoes I'd be staying home. Particularly given your consultant has advised it. And I'm someone who generally thinks most people are pretty low risk of getting the virus and would be saying it's worth getting back to a more normal life. I have a friend with very severe asthma who had it and thankfully has been absolutely fine. It was no worse than a cold for her if that's reassuring, but obviously a lung transplant is massively different to even asthma.

Don't worry about what anyone else thinks, they won't be able to imagine what you've already come through.

I would not judge you at all!

Your own health and well-being is your first responsibility, over and above all other obligations.

I would not hesitate one bit, were I in your situation.

My neighbour had a heart transplant some years ago. As he said you really have to accept that there are some things you cannot do. He was pretty good in lockdown we have socially distanced in garden for the last few weeks, he walks his dog, wears a mask when out now. His consultants told him what yours have told you. Happy your transplant has worked out so well for you.

And I am also saying that as someone who is not overly concerned about covid-19.

No one will judge you. That’s an excellent reason to protect yourself.

Definitely don't feel bad about this. Your health is so important

Would definitely not judge you for not going to work as a teacher, but I would probably judge you if you went against your consultant's advice. Your health and staying well and alive are the priorities here.

If you are in a position to not do it, then absolutely don't. I agree that online tutoring might be a good avenue to explore before reassessing in the future?

You need to tell your school now. I wouldn’t dream of judging you for not going back, but it’s not fair on the school to wait. They need as much time as possible to find a replacement for you.

With school shutdowns being a distinct possibility you could offer to work from home for the school and plan their online provision.

Lung transplant! Don't go back then, follow consultant advice.

God I wouldn't judge - either as a parent or School HR person.

We are all having to adjust to different things/ways of working so could you ask if there is anyway you could wfh - ie preparing work material/planning, helping with marking (though need the 72 hours thing). Zoom classes for any children who are self-isolating etc etc.

Not ideal but will allow you to contribute/help the team so to speak. Your consultant may be happy to do a sick not to that effect - able to work remotely but should not attend premises.

I don’t think you’ll be judged for not going in although school will be disappointed and will need to replace you.
You are in a position very few of us will ever find ourselves in.
If the school do judge then perhaps it’s not the place you would want to work in.

I would judge you for not listening to your consultant tbh.

I am so glad for you that despite your health problems you gave a chance to stay safe and fed so you can offer many years of teaching service in the future.

for you and do some free zoom catch up tutoring for lower income families or something if you feel you want to contribute.

Of course not! So what if anyone does, it's a lung transplant!

Let assume for a minute that the head is not likely to be supportive and will be wanting to know if you took the job knowing you were unlikely to be go back in September and so wouldn't be able to do the job you'd accepted? They are likely to be annoyed at having to find a supply teacher at very short notice and advertising for cover. Both are expensive processes. They are likely to withdraw the job offer.

Alternatively, they are supportive and accept that you need to do what the consultant tells you and so arrange cover until you are able to go back. This is likely to be an nqt who hasn't yet got a job or an expensive supply teacher.

Only you can make the decision but it if was me I would not be going back, especially if I had my own children.

OP, do you mean not going back at all or telling work you can't go back now and expecting them to keep the position open/pay you? I seem to have read it differently to most.

Of course no one will judge you if you decide not to take up the post in line with doctor's orders. Expecting to be paid and for the school to cover you indefinitely is slightly different.

Only an UTTER IDIOT would judge you negatively for not going back.

Why do you care so much what anyone else thinks and if they'd judge you anyway?

You've had a lung transplant, there's a viral pandemic - you'd be unhinged to go back!

Maybe see if there's any requirement with your new school for a zoom teacher (rather than leaving & doing that privately). There may be children not well enough or with high risk parents who need you?!

Do NOT go back
Do NOT care what anyone thinks!!

OP I wouldn't resign.

I would ask for reasonable adjustments and if that's not possible I would take sick leave.

You have legitimate reasons and I don't see why you should be a martyr.

I am not judging you for putting your health first, anyone in their right mind would do the same. I am wondering why you have only come to this decision the week before schools go back. Surely you have considered the issue before now, schools have been out since March, I get that you possibly haven't had an opportunity to have a face to face with your consultant, but surely in that time there would be other ways to contact him and get his advice.

We all know the problems schools have had in making arrangements for reopening, organising staffing, safe management of resources and buildings etc etc. It has been a horrendous time, and last minute changes are going to be hugely problematic. Some changes are unpredictable, but I think yours could have been raised earlier.

I hope you do find a resolution with your new head, no one wants you to be out of a job, but I can't help feeling that there will be a lot of raised eyebrows in the staffroom at your timing.

People will judge whatever it’s life. In your case OP it’s sound major “lung transplant”. Even if you have to resign I would not be risking my health. Just get a sick note and see how things go.

If you had a letter from a doctor saying you should stay away from work because you had mild asthma, yes, I might judge, but come on - a LUNG TRANSPLANT while there's a respiratory disease running rampant around the world?! Nah - if you showed up to work and I knew about it I'd send you straight home again!

We have a staff member who lives with someone that is at very high risk and is on a waiting list for a massive operation. We've told her to not come back until after the operation has happened or the pandemic has died down, whichever comes first. It is different in her case though as she is able to work from home, which I appreciate isn't the case here.

When did you apply for the job?
If it was pre covid, I would assume that you are in a stronger position to negotiate flexibility with regards a start date.

But absolutely no judgement with regards NOT starting in September. You’d be mad to consider it!

I certainly would not judge a teacher who was at increased risk of severe risks from a pandemic illness that has caused tens of thousands of deaths on our wee island. Anyone who would judge is Clearly a dickhead

I absolutely would not judge you!

You have been through enough already and if I was your colleague boss friend family member etc I would want you to follow the advice of your consultant.

@IrisJoy

Consultant has said they are happy to write and say it isn't safe for me to be in a school. Be honest, would you judge me though?

Being honest? I would judge you if you did go back!

I can appreciate that it would be different if you were established at the school but you cannot gamble with your health.