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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to ask work for sick leave for a privately funded operation that puts me under GA that is technically " cosmetic"

39 replies

ljwales · 31/03/2015 17:29

I had an op 10 years ago on the NHS for something many people consider quite minor but was starting to affect my MH. It was a success and has made me feel 60-70% better about it, I'm still not totally happy with the result. Paying to have another one to hopefully get me 90%+ happy with the result. Will need a recovery of 1-2 weeks. I only get four weeks holiday. Aibu to ask work if I can take it as sick leave? I will just get SSP.

OP posts:

AnyFucker · 31/03/2015 17:30

I would ask, yes.

is it to zap your sweat glands

Mostlyjustaluker · 31/03/2015 17:30

If the doctors says it is cosmetic then it maybe difficult. It may be difficult if work don't know the full nature and the doc gives you a sick note.

TidyDancer · 31/03/2015 17:36

I don't think my work would allow it and I think I agree with that. But I greatly depends on what it is. If it's rhinoplasty for the sake of me having a big nose or because I have a deviated septum (etc) then my opinion would differ on whether I should receive sick leave.

ghostyslovesheep · 31/03/2015 17:38

My work wouldn't allow it - they would require me to use leave

surgery for medical reasons is covered but not cosmetic

RyanAirVeteran · 31/03/2015 17:39

I would tell you to use leave.

MrsDoylesCupOfTea · 31/03/2015 17:41

You need to ask but it sounds like it would not be allowed. Is there anything else that's changed that mesns it needs to be done now?

SpringtimeForShatner · 31/03/2015 17:44

The GA is neither here nor there. You can ask if you could take it as sick leave, but I suspect that it won't be granted for a cosmetic procedure.

Fallulah · 31/03/2015 17:44

I think where I used to work you had to take annual leave for the procedure and then sick leave for the recovery, since you are not actually fit to work while you recover and if you're on annual leave you could have this cancelled and be asked to come in if situations demanded it.
(Disclaimer: I did used to work in the public sector so it probably depends what your contract/handbook says.)

scaevola · 31/03/2015 17:45

This comes up on vasectomy threads from time to time.

If you are not fit for work, and signed off by a doctor, then it can be sick leave irrespective of cause of incapacitation. So the day of the operation might need to be leave. But it could be sick leave thereafter.

But, if purely cosmetic, rather than 'needed/wanted but not necessarily provided by NHS', some employers will be distinctly sticky about it.

Original poster

ljwales · 31/03/2015 17:53

OK thanks everyone for your replies.

It hasn't changed so much recently, its been gradually changing over the years. Its really bringing me down and although I'm nowhere near as bad as it was I'm starting to get a bit depressed about it. I probably could get it on the NHS, but I think the reason it didn't go so well is the surgeon Didn't have a great deal of experience in the procedure, it was the 7th he had done. I thought this was good at the time, but now I want to have it corrected by someone that has done it 100s of times. Also paying privately to avoid the long process and because I can afford it and because it isn't life or death the public shouldn't fund it.

I do not want to go into any deals with anyone at work as I'm very sensitive about it - some say body dysmorphic disorder, but obviously I don't agree with that.

OP posts:

Discounted · 31/03/2015 17:54

Our policy is that leave for recovery from "elective" surgery is unpaid. However, if a Doctor has actually signed you off sick, then we are obliged to treat it as sick leave. That said, all that means is that they have to pay you SSP.

There's also loads of room for manoeuvre over what constitutes elective surgery.

TidyDancer · 31/03/2015 18:05

OP, do you work for public or private sector? I suspect this will affect you here. I'm assuming it's something like rhinoplasty you're having which as mentioned above is a bit of a grey area wrt cosmetic/medical.

Hillingdon · 31/03/2015 18:28

I think it might be something to do with fat reduction. Whether its that or nose work my company (big FTSE company) wouldnt allow it.

MammaTJ · 31/03/2015 18:50

Discounted, is your workplace definition of 'elective' the same as used in the NHS? This is an op that can be done at a time of choosing, rather than as a life saving emergency. So a hip or knee replacement, gall bladder removal, things like that are routinely done in a planned way, called elective by the NHS. If so, that's a bit harsh!

PtolemysNeedle · 31/03/2015 18:58

I think it would be really cheeky to ask for it as sick leave, but asking for unpaid leave would be fine.

Saying that, some employers are incredibly generous and yours might be one if them, so you could ask, but I think if they say yes then you should count yourself incredibly lucky.

maggiethemagpie · 31/03/2015 19:04

If you're incapacitated and unable to work , you are sick and should be entitled to sick leave.

Latara · 31/03/2015 19:05

All you can do is ask.

I work for the NHS and they do give time off for cosmetic surgery as sick leave.

2 of my colleagues have had nose jobs; 1 had a breast enlargement; and 2 had breast reductions.

Discounted · 31/03/2015 19:06

No, Mamma, there is no "definition" it's all down to the manager's discretion, but it's generally considered to be something that isn't essential for health, although obviously your average line manager isn't qualified to make that call. I was on a course only last week where they completely failed to give any clarification or guidance at all (local Authority)

Penfold007 · 31/03/2015 19:21

ljwales speak to your doctor and see if they would be prepared to give you a sick note, if they are just go sick. Good luck

Hotbot · 31/03/2015 19:24

I work for the nhs there is NO way I would allow sick leave for cosmetic surgery.

Discounted · 31/03/2015 19:26

Hotbot, if Op's doctor signs her off, which he would if she's recovering from surgery, cosmetic or not, how do you get to "allow" it, or not?

AnyFucker · 31/03/2015 19:27

A sick note is a sick note...is a sick note

IAmAShitHotLawyer · 31/03/2015 19:29

I have had 2 lots of elective cosmetic surgery. Afterwards, the GP gave me a sick note signing me off with "post-operative recovery". That's all you have to do. If you get paid sick leave from your company then you will get that and if you only get SSP then you will get that.

IAmAShitHotLawyer · 31/03/2015 19:30

"I work for the nhs there is NO way I would allow sick leave for cosmetic surgery"

If that person has a sick note you have to give them sick leave. It isn't up to you to "allow" it.

Hotbot · 31/03/2015 19:39

Tis planned sick leave, you are right a sick note is a sick note but I am relying on the honesty of my staff to discuss their absence and the reasons for it .
We have a policy for cosmetic leave in our trust the staff know about it and I can say that they do come and discuss it with me.
I am not a complete cow but I do think it's morally and ethically wrong to cover up planned cosmetic surgery with sick leave , obv if things don't go to plan after that's different. Don't forget you do accrue a.l. Whilst off on the sick so you are effectively rewarded by using sick leave for a boob job ,,!,

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