In A&E and need to update manager - AIBU to run message past you all?

[HRVY]

Went to A&E late last night to get checked out, as I’ve had quite bad stomach pains for a couple of days and was getting worried it could be something serious like appendicitis.

Doctors have run some tests, and all looking good so far thankfully. They want to do an ultrasound just as a precaution though. As ultrasounds aren’t available till this 9am, I’ve been kept in so I can get a scan as soon as possible this morning.

I’m meant to be logging on for work at 9, but that of course clashes with the scan. Luckily, it’s a v quiet period with no urgent tasks though!

Wondering how to let my line manager know about all of this (first time I’ve done a work ‘sick note’) - how does this sound?

Hi X, really sorry but I don’t think I’ll be able to make it in this morning. I felt really unwell yesterday so headed to A&E last night just as a precaution, and they’re doing some tests and scans this morning. I’m sure it’s all going to be fine, but just wanted to let you know. Thanks, HRVY.

I’m wondering if I need to add anything about logging on later if I feel better? Also - wondering if mentioning ‘scans’ makes it all sound worrying and dramatic - should I just say ‘tests’?

Grateful for any thoughts! Thanks :)

Message sounds fine but if I was your boss I would appreciate a rough estimate of when you think you'll be back online even if you amend it later

That sounds fine although I would add 'I'll keep you updated' near the end so she knows you'll tell her when you'll be back working.

Good luck with the tests by the way!

that’s fine. But you could also keep it simpler-

Dear manager,

I will not be able to work today as I was admitted to hospital late last night. I expect to be out later today and will keep you updated as things progress.

HRVY

And obviously don’t work this afternoon.

Good point about keeping line manager updated - thanks!

Only thing I’d change is the ‘don’t think I’ll be able to make it in this morning.’

You know you won’t be able to make it in - you’re having an ultrasound at the exact same time you start. So just say I won’t be in to avoid any confusion.

You poor thing OP, hate being in hospitals. Glad it seems to be nothing serious and hope you feel better soon

Hope you’re ok OP. I would keep it a little more brief

Hi X I’m afraid I won’t be in today. I had to come to A&E yesterday and they have kept me in for tests and observation. I will let you know if I am ok for work tomorrow. Thanks, HRVY

@AppleKatie

that’s fine. But you could also keep it simpler-

Dear manager,

I will not be able to work today as I was admitted to hospital late last night. I expect to be out later today and will keep you updated as things progress.

HRVY

And obviously don’t work this afternoon.

I would say this.

I would definitely take out ‘went to hospital as a precaution’ - makes you sound like nothings actually wrong!

Dear Boss

I wasn't feeling well so attended A&E and they admitted me for a precautionary scan. I hope to be in later today and will keep you updated.

Best wishes

Don't say 'I don't think I'll be able to' if you definitely won't be able to. Just started it plain and say you'll keep them up to date.

Agree with I'll keep you updated.
Good luck op

No, too apologetic imo

I’d be to the point: “ had to go to A&E last night. Am still in hospital now. Unable to come to work today as still waiting for tests. Apologies. Should be back tomorrow”

Personally I would remove the ‘I don’t think’.

You aren’t able to work. You are in hospital having scans.

‘Hi X, I am unable to work this morning as I have been at A&E overnight and I’m booked in for a scan at 9am. I’ll let you know how they go later on.’

@AppleKatie I agree with your simpler message. You know you can't work this morning so don't start the message with I don't think I can.

Hope the tests confirm that all is well and you feel better soon.

You’re starting quite passively, I’d be more direct.

Dear X, I will not be in first thing as I have spent the night in A&E with abdominal pain and am awaiting an ultrasound this morning. I am unsure how long this will take or what the outcome will be, but I will keep you updated. Then something about what work you need to do/how everything is non urgent.

As your manager I would not expect you in at all today.

@AppleKatie

that’s fine. But you could also keep it simpler-

Dear manager,

I will not be able to work today as I was admitted to hospital late last night. I expect to be out later today and will keep you updated as things progress.

HRVY

And obviously don’t work this afternoon.

That. keep it simpler.

Normally I have to phone work rather than just texting, check your sickness policy. As others have said, just say you’ve been admitted to hospital for years.

I’m wondering if I need to add anything about logging on later if I feel better?
I wouldn’t commit to that. Maybe just say you’ll update them later when you know more.

Hopefully you’ll feel well, the test will be speedy and they’ll send you home by lunchtime... but even if that’s the case are you not going to be absolutely shattered after all of this? You might need to rest this afternoon rather than getting straight back to work.

*tests

If I were your boss I wouldn’t expect you to log on at all... who would expect someone in A&E all night to work the following day.

Sorry to hear you're unwell. Hope you feel better soon.

You don't need to say sorry. Just 'I was unwell last night and won't be coming in today as I am still at hospital getting some tests'.

Perhaps then just arrange to call when you are feeling better to discuss. Don't overthink it, just state the facts.

Are you fit to work later, or have you been sat in A&E all night or did you get a bed? I would keep it a bit shorter and day:
Hi manager, Im in hospital currently as I was unwell yesterday and get admitted / spent all night in A&E. They’re waiting to do some scans / tests, and not sure yet what the results will show. I’ll keep you updated when I know anything else. Thanks.

When DC2 was hospitalised last summer, I had to text the MD as all 4 layers of staff between us were on holiday.

My message was short and sweet.

DC2 has been admitted to hospital, I won’t be working for the rest of the day. I’ll update you when she’s out of surgery. I have nothing urgent to deal with work wise, but my team know what they’re working on.

I wouldn’t apologise or offer to work today. It may be quiet now, but could take hours. Just say you’ll let them know when you know more.

If you were unwell enough for a & E (which obviously you were) you're too ill to be "logging on later"

You need to rest.

Also don't tell them your symptoms. That's not necessary.

"Hi X. I've been admitted to hospital and am currently awaiting some tests this morning, as such I won't be in. I'll keep you updated when I can, I hope to return next week" (presuming you don't work weekends)

Also, how annoying is it when people tell you to check your sickness policy? My company are quite happy to accept a text.

Do you get sick pay? You are in hospital since last night. There's no need to minimise it with work or focus on getting to work later. An overnight in hospital justifies a day off.