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Original poster

NHS employee Covid policy

176 replies

TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 12:37

I work in the NHS, admin but contact with patients. I tested positive for covid last night. I feel rough and sent a pic of my test to my manager and called her this morning.

Oh I can still go in, all restrictions lifted apparently. I was shocked. I said I have symptoms, fever, coughing and sneezing. No I can still go in but perhaps put me in a separate room.

So, as I know it's a busy day, I drag myself in, masked up and put on warm clothing as no one will see me locked away. I get there, sweating and looking like death but I haven't got my "uniform" on. It's a nylon short sleeved shirt. I don't live near work but I either had to drive all the way home, put shirt on what no one will see, or go home unpaid (I've not been in the role 6 months yet)

I've applied for a new job today. Nhs management is so up it's own arse they'd rather put patients and Co workers at risk, then nit pick about a shirt and end up short staffed.

I assumed testing for full blown covid with symptoms I'd be told to stay away but not only did I have to go in, I was then subjected to that, all for minimum wage.

Shambles

OP posts:
Ohforfox · 27/12/2023 13:32

My trust you still have special leave if patient facing. I think the mistake you made was going in, if you are feeling unwell you should stay at home. I presume you are new to the NHS if you are saying it will be unpaid sickness? Really unfortunate timing but it can't be helped, if you're ill then you're ill, regardless of the date.

HumourReplacementTherapy · 27/12/2023 13:33

I think most people seem to be missing the point or being the usual MN dicks.
It's absolutely ridiculous to send an employee home to change into a short sleeved shirt when
A) they're ill
B) there's no heating
C) they're going to have a jumper in over it anyway.
D) the employee is poorly but has gone in to work in isolation.
I'd ask for a 121 with the manager of whoever sent you home to change.

Original poster
TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 13:36

zeibesaffron · 27/12/2023 13:29

Our covid policy is clear if you are unwell and have a temp you do not come in - its the same for flu and other respiratory illnesses.

If you test positive and feel fine I would rather (if possible) people worked from home if not come in mask up, think about distance/ hand washing etc, reduce patient contact (again if possible).

I read the NHS guidelines last night so when I called in this morning and sent a pic of my test and said I was symptomatic, it was irrelevant. I have to say in a healthcare environment I was "really?!?" Then the manager said, well we can put you in a separate room. I was ok with that as I'd ensure I'd stay out of everyone's way but I still thought it was odd! I'm not even allowed up to see my horse as the livery owners says no until you're negative.

OP posts:
Original poster
TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 13:38

HumourReplacementTherapy · 27/12/2023 13:33

I think most people seem to be missing the point or being the usual MN dicks.
It's absolutely ridiculous to send an employee home to change into a short sleeved shirt when
A) they're ill
B) there's no heating
C) they're going to have a jumper in over it anyway.
D) the employee is poorly but has gone in to work in isolation.
I'd ask for a 121 with the manager of whoever sent you home to change.

Thank you! That was my point.
Unfortunately said person is the manager. Unless I go to the GPS who own the business

OP posts:
fiftiesmum · 27/12/2023 13:39

The OP has already said they do not work for the NHS so nothing to do with different trusts.
I hope OP recovers quickly - this recent strain has horrible symptoms

windysocks · 27/12/2023 13:40

Are the NHS supplying tests? Did you think that testing would get you off work ? Symptoms are like a cold and you would be expected to work with that

Original poster
TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 13:42

fiftiesmum · 27/12/2023 13:39

The OP has already said they do not work for the NHS so nothing to do with different trusts.
I hope OP recovers quickly - this recent strain has horrible symptoms

Thank you 😊 I honestly don't feel too bad! In the olden days you suck it up and carry on. But vulnerable people, cancer patients coming in for blood tests, etc I wanted to do the right thing. Could've easily called in sick but was happy to isolate on my own.

OP posts:
Original poster
TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 13:44

windysocks · 27/12/2023 13:40

Are the NHS supplying tests? Did you think that testing would get you off work ? Symptoms are like a cold and you would be expected to work with that

No!! 😂 got my own from Boots. I have vulnerable relatives. I'd rather be at work tbh but not in a selfish way. Talking of Boots, in my local shop they have to test as standard every 48 hours being exposed and dealing in pharmacy and patients.

OP posts:
NoStarsTonight · 27/12/2023 13:45

Again, we are told not not to test - we are questioned if we call in sick and told to come in anyway and if we dare take a covid we are told off 🙄
most people come in to work whilst ill because they can’t afford the time off,

NoStarsTonight · 27/12/2023 13:48

windysocks · 27/12/2023 13:40

Are the NHS supplying tests? Did you think that testing would get you off work ? Symptoms are like a cold and you would be expected to work with that

People come into work with colds/covid - otherwise they don’t get paid but the actual result is more people getting ill and going off sick!
I blame the knobs who call in sick at a sniffle - they are why we have such a harsh sickness policy.

NoStarsTonight · 27/12/2023 13:49

TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 13:44

No!! 😂 got my own from Boots. I have vulnerable relatives. I'd rather be at work tbh but not in a selfish way. Talking of Boots, in my local shop they have to test as standard every 48 hours being exposed and dealing in pharmacy and patients.

Show quote history

Hang on - boots staff test?

AnneValentine · 27/12/2023 13:53

This is policy everywhere and has been for some time.

Original poster
TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 13:54

NoStarsTonight · 27/12/2023 13:45

Again, we are told not not to test - we are questioned if we call in sick and told to come in anyway and if we dare take a covid we are told off 🙄
most people come in to work whilst ill because they can’t afford the time off,

This is so wrong isn't it! That's what's got to me I think. I tested because my lovely Co worker has a terminally ill son and exposure to patients. Happy to be isolated but I am symptomatic and happy to work on my own but be warm at least! I felt I did all I could. Im not a martyr like someone previously said, I was trying to balance it all. We are very short staffed and have too many patients and on the best days it's hard but I love the job as I don't do it for the money.

OP posts:
tokesqueen · 27/12/2023 13:55

GreatBigBeautifulTommorow · 27/12/2023 12:54

Do nhs GP staff not get NHS sick pay?

For two months at our practice.
Very poor terms and conditions as not on Agenda for Change.

Original poster
TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 13:55

@NoStarsTonight
I'm my local one, yes. I was shocked as we don't!!

OP posts:
Original poster
TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 13:55

@tokesqueen 6 months at mine

OP posts:
tokesqueen · 27/12/2023 13:56

TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 13:55

@tokesqueen 6 months at mine

Wow!

Auntieobem · 27/12/2023 13:56

If you had tested negative would you be so concerned about going to work? Is it just covid you are worried about? Other respiratory illnesses cN be just as dangerous to immunocompromised people. If you are sick - don't go to work.

Mamansparkles · 27/12/2023 13:57

Ffs the symptoms are not always 'like a cold'. I'd say OP is too ill to work if she has a fever, but her point was that she is well aware covid isn't 'just a cold' to a lot of vulnerable people. And she works with vulnerable people.
She obviously isn't work shy because she was up for working in isolation despite the fever (uncommon with 'just a cold')
'Colds' do not cause neurological damage, heart and lung damage and long term immune system deficiencies and increase your risk of developing an autoimmune disease like type 1 diabetes. Covid does.
You tried to do the right thing, OP

willingtolearn · 27/12/2023 13:58

@HumourReplacementTherapy

I don't think people are being dicks about it - I think most of us are aware that this sort of petty ridiculousness is not constructive in the workplace.

Unfortunately it is VERY common, especially in low wage roles.

NoStarsTonight · 27/12/2023 13:59

Auntieobem · 27/12/2023 13:56

If you had tested negative would you be so concerned about going to work? Is it just covid you are worried about? Other respiratory illnesses cN be just as dangerous to immunocompromised people. If you are sick - don't go to work.

I work for a care provider - we don’t get paid for first 3 days of sick. Even if we are coughing our guts up with a temp and feel like shit we are told to go into work. Where we see vulnerable people.

Original poster
TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 14:00

Auntieobem · 27/12/2023 13:56

If you had tested negative would you be so concerned about going to work? Is it just covid you are worried about? Other respiratory illnesses cN be just as dangerous to immunocompromised people. If you are sick - don't go to work.

No not just covid. I've tested negative before and worn a mask as I was a bit off but nothing serious as didn't want to give anyone else anything and stayed out back. I tested positive this time a lovely bit fat red line on the test. I don't feel too bad but am very wary I'm in good health, others aren't

OP posts:
Ponoka7 · 27/12/2023 14:02

My DD is vulnerable patient facing, they are told not to test. She's been off with COVID over the year and has been disciplinary staged because of it. You have to say "I'm willing to come in but policy prevents me". But they'll tell them to come in anyway. It is a shambles . I'm surprised that you are only on minimum wage. Your colleagues need to join the union and get higher wage rates. Ask the stores and hostesses how petty they are about uniform, even when you are doing a seven day week to help out.

RaininSummer · 27/12/2023 14:07

If you were that ill you really shouldn't be going to any workplace let alone in a hospital.

Original poster
TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 14:07

Mamansparkles · 27/12/2023 13:57

Ffs the symptoms are not always 'like a cold'. I'd say OP is too ill to work if she has a fever, but her point was that she is well aware covid isn't 'just a cold' to a lot of vulnerable people. And she works with vulnerable people.
She obviously isn't work shy because she was up for working in isolation despite the fever (uncommon with 'just a cold')
'Colds' do not cause neurological damage, heart and lung damage and long term immune system deficiencies and increase your risk of developing an autoimmune disease like type 1 diabetes. Covid does.
You tried to do the right thing, OP

I did. I feel shit/angry now though being talked down to like that by an unempathetic manager!

Like I said I'm semi retired and do this low paid job because I enjoy it, love helping people and feel I'm contributing back.

Reading the posts on here it's is more than apparent how nhs staff, paramedics and care workers are viewed as minions to get into work, bugger the consequences of covid which were drilled into us for 2 years so we couldn't even leave our homes. I'm sorry I don't agree. Nhs guidelines say symptomatic you avoid people. Nhs workers: doesn't apply.

Wonder why?

OP posts: