Getting an NHS job with EUPD

[Lark78]

I have an interview next week for a HCA job in the NHS. However, my concern is occupational health. I was hospitalised voluntarily in June for a day before realising I wasn’t going to get better in that environment. Since then I’ve been feeling better, although EUPD isn’t something that just disappears, I can manage it.

Anyway I want to get back into work, as being out of work makes me feel worse but worry that OH will declare me unfit. Am I protected under the Equality Act? Or should I just not bother going to the interview?

Thanks!

I'm in exactly the same position with eupd and applying for an NHS job. Watching this with interest as I didn't think it was something I had to declare (I haven't been hospitalised but have been under the crisis team twice)

Of course you won't be declared unfit! I've supervised a Charge Nurse with EUPD who spent two periods in hospital, it didn't stop her from being a decent nurse.

My worry comes from that fact that I actually have a place in September to start mental health nursing but the OH doctor has concerns about my fitness and has requested medical info from my GP. I applied to be a HCA in case my place falls through. Bit stuck atm because this is the only thing I can imagine myself doing

If by any chance you don't get it, you could apply and a peer support worker. Same rate of pay as HCA but you need to have personal experience of a MH issue. It's a good role.

Please go for your job. Living with pd is hard, but you can and will get better as you have shown.
I have a friend who's a consultant who has bipolar, I know so many NHS workers who have mental health problems, because it is as common as physical health problems..
I am an HCP and I trained a while ago, I'd had eating disorders for years before but my course gave me the focus to get better.
I was worried I wouldn't get OH clearance but I did, and now I'm teaching new HCPs.
Hope you get it and do well on your course.