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Original poster

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

197 replies

IrisJoy · 25/08/2020 12:04

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....

OP posts:
ChavvySexPond · 25/08/2020 14:17

I can't imagine what kind of excuse fit a human being would judge you OP.

The reality is that schools, our children and teachers are not safe from coronavirus.

How could they be? Why would they be? Because of the prolonged and repeated contact, and the likelihood of asymptomatic transmission, they are in fact, less safe than many public places.

No matter how hard our government and their handmaidens try to convince us otherwise.

ladyflower23 · 25/08/2020 14:25

I wouldn't judge you for not going back. It would be too bigger risk for your health.

Devlesko · 25/08/2020 14:27

I would judge you more for going back tbh.
Life is short, you should be enjoying it not working in teaching in this environment. Resign and live your life, ffs.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General education
nannybeach · 25/08/2020 14:27

no-one in their right mind would judge you.I hope that whatever reason you were forced to have a lung transplant that you are well on the way to recovery.Let us know what happens with the Head

StateOfTheUterus · 25/08/2020 14:36

A lung transplant ! That’s a massive investment the NHS have made in your health. And you have been open and honest about your health with your employers - no one could have foreseen this at interview stage.

The guidance on shielding has been difficult and it wasn’t unreasonable to think you might be OK in September.

But with all the latest data and guidance available your consultant has said don’t go to work yet. Your consultant couldn’t make that decision without all the latest information so it’s not like you have sat on this.

I absolutely wouldn’t judge you - I hope the school can utilise your talents creatively until you are able to work. But if not, I hope something else works for you. Xx

PegasusReturns · 25/08/2020 14:38

I wouldn’t “judge” you but I also don’t think that is the issue.

If I was your head would I be irritated? Yes.

  • It’s the week before school and recruiting a supply teacher at short notice is expensive and difficult. I’d wonder why you didn’t communicate with me earlier.

If I were your colleagues would I be frustrated? Possibly.

  • Will this mean increased work load for the existing team? The fact they don’t know you will mean you lose any “benefit of doubt” credit.

If I was a parent with a child in your class would I be disappointed? Likely
No parent wants their child to have an undetermined period of supply teaching by a teacher who may not be engaged with the school.

That’s not to say you should go who work. You should follow your consultants advice. And you should protect yourself legally by getting a sick note and being signed off.

ancientgran · 25/08/2020 14:43

Don't risk your health. If the HT is a decent person they will understand, if they aren't they aren't worth worrying about.

Look after yourself.

52andblue · 25/08/2020 14:47

@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?
Good. You have clear evidence. Get signed off by GP to help with sick pay. I wouldn't dream of judging you, no. In fact, I'd judge you as behaving responsibly in the face of clear medical advice.
Happymum12345 · 25/08/2020 14:48

I would never judge a teacher who couldn’t work because they had a lung transplant! I think teachers often feel they are letting people down when not well enough to work. This won’t last forever & you’ll be back teaching one day. Look after yourself Flowers

feistyoneyouare · 25/08/2020 14:48

You need to put yourself and your health first! You've just had a major procedure performed. Take your consultant's advice and look after yourself.

DumDaDumDum · 25/08/2020 14:49

I wouldn’t judge you. And if I was your new head (I’m SLT), I’d honour the contract and pay you as per/sick days until you can come back.

This isn’t your fault OP. Don’t even think about going in xxx

BlingLoving · 25/08/2020 14:54

@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?
Haven't read the whole thread but just want to answer this....

You've had a LUNG transplant and this disease attacks the lungs. Of course I wouldn't judge you. I am pretty laid back and while still respecting Covid guidelines etc, I'm not stressed about kids going back etc but I wouldn't even think twice if I was told that one of DC's teachers was not returning as she is high risk due to a lung transplant!!

IlsaLund · 25/08/2020 14:57

I'm a HT and I wouldn't judge you - in fact in all honesty I wouldn't want the responsibility of such a medically vulnerable person being on site

However, I would be irked at the fact that we are a week away from term starting and this is only being raised now.

I'd also be anxious about the budget because in my LA it looks as if our insurance won't cover people who are shielding or isolating.

Original poster
IrisJoy · 25/08/2020 15:03

Thank you all again for your support.
To answer the questions about the timing, yes it's terrible timing. I got the job before covid kicked off and have kept the head informed all the way along. She knew that I wanted to start but that I had to wait to speak to my consultant. She knew that the appointment I had wasn't until this week and said she was going to line up supply, just in case. It wasn't just a case of me deciding. I needed to get expert advice from people that know how it is affecting poeple in similar situations to me. I actually thought they would sit in the fence a bit but it was a definite 'no'. I do feel terrible as this is obviously a pain in the arse for her and the rest of the school. However, it's unlikely I would survive if I contracted it, and I have children to think about.
So, when I speak to the head my Oman is this: I am going to ask her if I can remain unpaid so that they can use the money to help with paying for a supply. If she can't legally do that I will tell her that anything at all I can do from home in terms of marking, planning, online learning etc. Is no problem at all. I will also offer to resign if that's better for the school. Does that sound reasonable?

OP posts:
Original poster
IrisJoy · 25/08/2020 15:06

Oh and the pp who was questioning my lack of contract, our county are notorious for it. My head said I might not get it for a few months yet! Although apparently they are trying to get them all out before term starts this year. I do have an offer letter and I think the head did some research (as I have been communicating with her re shielding) and that is legally binding from their point of view.

OP posts:
Mintychoc1 · 25/08/2020 15:06

Obviously I wouldn’t judge you for not going to work. No sane person would. But I would be seriously pissed off that you left it till this late stage to tell the head teacher, when you must have known since March that this was a strong possibility.
And you should be either resign or take it as unpaid leave, so that the school aren’t out of pocket. Someone said earlier you should get a sick note - as a GP I can tell you categorically that I would not give you a sick note, as you are fit to work, just not in that job.

Mintychoc1 · 25/08/2020 15:07

Crossed post re timing of informing head, sorry

GooniesForever · 25/08/2020 15:08

I’ve had a transplant and I’m a teacher. I’m working from home in September and continuing to shield... my union were invaluable, they can tell you what to ask for and what to say to avoid consequences such as changes to terms in your contact by accepting certain things from the school.
My transplant is important, someone died and their family made an amazing decision to allow the donation to go ahead, even though I feel sh*t not going back I will still be working and contributing and once it’s over I will continue to.
I keep trying to think that if it was the other way round I wouldn’t begrudge a college having the same and if they do judge me they’re not the kind of people who I want to know on more than a work level anyway.
It’s a rubbish situation for everyone but you have to do what’s right for you.
Contact your local union rep for advice and support, x

sorryforswearing · 25/08/2020 15:09

I teach and I definitely wouldn’t judge. I think you’d be crazy not to take your doctors advice and so would any other reasonable person. I’m dreading going back as I’m in the vulnerable group and very worried about staff safety.

mbosnz · 25/08/2020 15:12

No, I would not judge you. I would judge anyone who did judge you, as singularly lacking in both common sense and compassion.

Dancingdeer77 · 25/08/2020 15:19

Absolutely wouldn’t judge you. If I was SLT I’d try to keep you working from home (maybe preparing home learning, resource making or similar). Don’t just resign. You always have the option of resign but only do that if they really can’t find a solution for you. Speak to the HT, involve your union. Nobody will judge you. You are making the best of a bad situation.

frustrationcentral · 25/08/2020 15:21

@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?
No way. You need to do what's right for you
Saucery · 25/08/2020 15:39

As a colleague I wouldn’t judge you. I’d judge myself more for working in an environment that wasn’t supportive of the very severe issues you face at the moment.
As a parent I’d hope the school would support you, because it is supposed to be a community working together for all pupils and staff.

Letmegetthisrightasawoman · 25/08/2020 15:39

Haven't RTFT, but I just wanted to add my voice to the chorus of don't go. There is a huge difference between no longer needing to shield and teaching in a school. Your doctor says it isn't safe, so it isn't safe. Do have a conversation with your HT though. When I was really struggling I did this and was pleasantly surprised at the things that were possible that I would never have dreamt of asking about. Good luck with everything!

VivaMiltonKeynes · 25/08/2020 15:45

Being honest ( as you asked ) with you if I was on the SMT in the school I would be pissed off as I would be wondering why you interviewed for the job if you knew this was a possibility IF you have interviewed and accepted in the last 4 months . It will be a massive headache to get a teacher for this class.