Stress leave.

[Fordian]

Hi, hoping someone can help me.

At 59, as a front line NHS worker, I have just found myself for the first time ever on the edge of panic attacks due to work.

I recognise I need a bit of time to regroup.

Can anyone tell me what I need to do? How long can I self certify for? Then do I have to physically see my GP to get more time off if I need it?

Over the 15 years working in thus Trust I have an almost flawless attendance record and consider myself highly experienced and am very much a 'go to' person for the desperately inexperienced overseas, first NHS job- same grade as me staff who now make up our team. They are grateful for my help and openly thank me for it; but one of my (multiple) line managers who has never worked with me is finding me to be a threat so has gone running to his line manager so I went to a meeting last week with them both to be told, among other things, that I create a hostile and exclusionary atmosphere.

This couldn't be further from the truth.

I need a break from this as I'm really, really upset.

You can self-cert for 7 (calendar) days, anything above that you'll need a fit (sick) note from your GP, they may be prepared to give these out over the phone or they may want you to come in, varies depending on the doctor/practice. Don't forget you can always ask for some short notice annual leave as well.

My advice personally in the medium/longer term would be to go path of least resistance, I know how horrible and personal conflict at work can feel but however much in the right you are, entering into a huge war with higher management rarely changes anything and can often just end in tears all around. Can you use a little bit of time off to think what would work best for you, a change of jobs - even a different team within same trust if that's possible? Early retirement - as you are over 55 you can draw your pension early (will be slightly reduced) and then supplement the income with part-time work? Sticking where you are but keeping your head down and doing bare minimum - if you helping out other staff is leading to grief for you then just don't (I know it's not that simple but sometimes you need to draw a line and protect yourself?)

Thanks maxelly. Good advice. I took yesterday and today off, which I'm glad I'm doing. In previous times I would have felt guilty but I know my current management don't value me; they allowed a very, very good worker to leave (to go to the other DGH in our Trust who welcomed her with open arms- sadly geographically too far for me or I'd've been gone, too). She was replaced with a nice enough person but, if I'm honest, I'm suspicious of the validity of their professional qualifications, their ability is so poor.

However, their work is regarded as being the equal of mine as as long as patients are being churned through, quality doesn't matter. No one's counting the recalls or the Datix.

Anyway, whilst wary of frying pan/fire, I will hopefully look at a different job later this week. I would get great satisfaction in handing in my notice.