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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Not to even try and get "medical evidence"

64 replies

Bestseller · 14/12/2018 10:47

Ds2 generally has excellent attendance, often 100%, but has been off sick since last Friday. He's been really quite poorly and slept for most of it but is on the mend now. Still not well but loads better, I expect him to be back on Monday.

I've had a text saying as it's been a week I must provide medical evidence.

He's had flu or some other virus, a GP appointment would have been ridiculous,(even if I could get one) he just needed to sleep it off and it would have done neither him or the other patients any good to have him sat in a doctor's waiting room.

Aibu to tell school it is an unreasonable request? If I took him to docs now, would they even give any "evidence"? He's getting better, what a waste of NHS resources, just to provide the school with proof for a child whose attendance is otherwise excellent.

Plus, they didn't even ask how he is?!

OP posts:
Neverunderfed · 14/12/2018 13:17

Totally different scenario to employment, the child is not on the payroll for a start.

I would say no, that it was unnecessary/impossible to get a doctor's appt in this instance. I certainly wouldn't pay for a letter.

SaturdaySauv · 14/12/2018 13:26

YANBU
Maybe say you followed the advice on the NHS website which said to consult a pharmacist who then recommended self care and bedrest and advised you to stay away from busy waiting rooms.

Original poster
Bestseller · 14/12/2018 13:32

Having read further on the nhs advice, even if I had taken him the doctor, they would likely not have issued a certificate.

OP posts:
ViragoKnows · 14/12/2018 13:45

Yes, I did ask once after a long year of tonsillitis and pressure from the school. The GP quite rightly refused. Nice to hear she’s not unusual.

Of course, it did give me the ability to say for ever after (every winter) that the surgery’s policy was vehmently against doing educational admin for schools Smile

I think its a bit of a feint on the part of the schools anyway, TBH.

Looneytune253 · 14/12/2018 13:47

Save a pot of phlegm and give it to them for the expense of testing

bobstersmum · 14/12/2018 14:04

I would personally speak to the Head about this. Its a very unusual situation to be off for a week so poorly but not seen by a doctor at all. I would have got any of mine seen had they been that poorly but then again I am a massive worrier. Usually kids are poorly but pick up massively after a few days, to miss 8 days of school seems a lot? Has your dc got any underlying condition you can relate it to? For instance one of mine suffers with his tonsils, he is seeing his consultant in a few weeks and is likely having them out, he is regularly floored with tonsillitis and his school are aware of this, but I have provided evidence to support this.

ViragoKnows · 14/12/2018 14:09

Its a very unusual situation to be off for a week so poorly but not seen by a doctor at all. I would have got any of mine seen had they been that poorly but then again I am a massive worrier.

It really isnt unusual. It’s better with simple flu-like illness and fevers NOT to take them out to the GP (and use up much needed appointments). Don’t criticise people for NOT being anxious 😏 The NHS is on its knees already.

bobstersmum · 14/12/2018 14:13

I've just read he's 15!! They can bloody well get him to clarify that yes he was indeed off very poorly, when he's well enough to return to school! Sod them.

bobstersmum · 14/12/2018 14:15

Virago, I was assuming this was a very young child we were discussing. The NHS do advise if a young child is poorly for such a long time to be seen by a doctor or at least ring 111.

ViragoKnows · 14/12/2018 14:19

Aha, and I understand if you suffer from anxiety, you might need reassurance too. But for most simple winter illnesses (i.e without worrying symptoms) over-5s don't need a doctor just because they've been too ill for school for a week.

GrabEmByThePatriarchy · 14/12/2018 14:40

The number of posters who are shocked about no GP input in this situation is probably connected to the paucity of available appointments. As is the school's policy.

They'll just be arse covering and paper trailing so yeah I'd do my own note. Or tell them he's available should they wish to engage their own GP.

GrabEmByThePatriarchy · 14/12/2018 14:43

Not really meaning last few posts here btw, I know that was a mistake about the age.

Barbie222 · 14/12/2018 14:57

They do need to have some sort of paper trail about an 8 day absence. The line has to be drawn somewhere and it's 7 days so you are a day over. Just email and say your surgery won't certify and take the attendance hit - it's just one of those things.

FunshineCareBear · 14/12/2018 15:04

Send them a link to the BMA website whete it states GPs do not issue sick notes for children

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