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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:
thesurrealist · 27/12/2023 14:46

And that is what is causing the problem you have. If you do join the NHS, you will have a very very different experience at work.
You will also be paid more and the work is busy, useful and you will feel you are contributing, but also getting respect.

Original poster
TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 14:46

@NeonK aren't nhs workers being treated the same? Nhs or contracted nhs?

OP posts:
Locutus2000 · 27/12/2023 14:47

NeonK · 27/12/2023 14:44

@x2boys is right.

"Told by NHS manager..."

No, you weren't. You were told by your practice manager (who isn't employed by the NHS).

Show quote history

It's not that simple though, GPs are contracted to the NHS as are their staff, it's why they are usually eligible for an NHS pension.

They are definitely affected by the same lack of resources as everyone else.

Original poster
TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 14:47

thesurrealist · 27/12/2023 14:46

And that is what is causing the problem you have. If you do join the NHS, you will have a very very different experience at work.
You will also be paid more and the work is busy, useful and you will feel you are contributing, but also getting respect.

That's what I thought it was! Is any GP surgery NHS or are they all private businesses now?

OP posts:
FourthToeOnTheRight · 27/12/2023 14:48

I think you’re being given a hard time here, OP.

I can understand your reasons for questioning about going in to work. Also, advising you’re testing positive, because of where you work, all teamed with the fact that it’s the day after a Bank Holiday, so possibly as busy as your typical Monday in the practise (if it’s anything like our GP’s surgery) so you didn’t want to appear to be letting anyone down.

The fact that you were going to be isolated in a room by yourself but because you weren’t wearing a nylon shirt, you were sent home! That’s BU in my eyes. There can always be exceptions to the rules. Think your Manager was totally wrong on this occasion and was just being an arse!

peakygold · 27/12/2023 14:48

It's amazing how many people still think playing the 'covid' card gets them paid leave. It's a virus. Take sickness absence, or go to work. Whatever.

x2boys · 27/12/2023 14:48

TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 14:45

@x2boys I did for years in the 90's when my kids were babies. My current role im back in the nhs pension. Are you are nhs snob where you look down on people working for patients because their employer is only contracted to the nhs? Aren't the people treated all the same?

Don't be ridiculous I said I worked for he NHS for years I don't now because I have a disabled child and I don't look down on anyone
I'm pointing that you currently don't work for the NHS despite insisting that you do.

Original poster
TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 14:49

@Locutus2000 thank you. It's all about money now isn't it. Profit over patient. I don't think I'm cut out for that.

OP posts:
Locutus2000 · 27/12/2023 14:49

TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 14:46

@NeonK aren't nhs workers being treated the same? Nhs or contracted nhs?

NHS workers are mostly employed under 'Agenda for Change' which imposes set terms and conditions for everyone - such as sick pay even for new starters.

You get the worst of both worlds in a GP practice.

Original poster
TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 14:50

peakygold · 27/12/2023 14:48

It's amazing how many people still think playing the 'covid' card gets them paid leave. It's a virus. Take sickness absence, or go to work. Whatever.

I don't expect paid leave, I don't get paid leave. Read my posts

OP posts:
Locutus2000 · 27/12/2023 14:51

TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 14:50

I don't expect paid leave, I don't get paid leave. Read my posts

Show quote history

Don't waste your time on someone who uses the term 'covid card'.

Original poster
TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 14:55

@Locutus2000 think I'm figuring that out 😂

OP posts:
thesurrealist · 27/12/2023 14:56

TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 14:46

@NeonK aren't nhs workers being treated the same? Nhs or contracted nhs?

Nope. It is a widespread issue - some of our community providers are NHS as far as the patients are concerned, but not as far as paying them the lump sum from the AFC payrise, for example.

GP practices are notoriously shit at paying crap wages but yes, you get your NHS pension - not that that means anything these days. You get the other benefits of being seen as NHS staff, but when it comes down to it...especially if we're talking T&C and money....you are - as you have seen - shafted.

thesurrealist · 27/12/2023 14:58

TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 14:47

That's what I thought it was! Is any GP surgery NHS or are they all private businesses now?

Show quote history

All private businesses and always have been since 1948.

Original poster
TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 15:02

@FourthToeOnTheRight
Thank you! Definitely an arse. I was warned when I first started there. No one is really happy. I was! Because of my circumstances I chose the job because it interested me. Always volunteered to go to the front desk and deal with the worst of it. I embraced it and I liked the challenge!

But one foot wrong....and this. Good luck to the next one. Very high turnover of staff, I was also given 4 other roles within mine because I just took it all on, no complaints, I wanted to do it.

OP posts:
Original poster
TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 15:04

@thesurrealist
Isn't it a shame. Not for me. I'll go elsewhere. But for the patients

OP posts:
Original poster
TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 15:06

@thesurrealist oh the 6% afc pay rise that was a lie? That one?

OP posts:
Locutus2000 · 27/12/2023 15:08

TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 15:02

@FourthToeOnTheRight
Thank you! Definitely an arse. I was warned when I first started there. No one is really happy. I was! Because of my circumstances I chose the job because it interested me. Always volunteered to go to the front desk and deal with the worst of it. I embraced it and I liked the challenge!

But one foot wrong....and this. Good luck to the next one. Very high turnover of staff, I was also given 4 other roles within mine because I just took it all on, no complaints, I wanted to do it.

I had a GP receptionist break down in tears during covid, just because I was nice and asked how she was doing. It's brutal, receptionists have no control over the questions they have to ask yet are left to take constant abuse.

They are heroes in my book.

Littlemisscapable · 27/12/2023 15:10

Stop being a martyr..you don't work for the NHS as has previously been explained and if you are not well then just ring your manager and stay off. This isn't the drama you are making it out to be. GP practices are notorious for being difficult to work in but with all your experience you can work anywhere. Definitely get a new job.

Original poster
TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 15:25

@Littlemisscapable how patronising.

OP posts:
Original poster
TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 15:32

@Locutus2000
Yep! I loved it though. Funnily enough I never got the abuse the others did. Whether it was my manner (and experience dealing with clients f2f for 25 years) i had many a conversation with patients or a laugh or dealing with suicidal patients and those at the end of their tether, I had an ear and they knew I was actually listening and I was doing my best with what I had. It gave me a lot back it's a very rewarding job.

But I'm also too long in the tooth to put up with this. How has the workplace got like this? Like I said, professional job, 25 years wfh managed myself! I'm an old fart that should go work in a garden centre instead 🤣

OP posts:
Toohardtofindaproperusername · 27/12/2023 15:35

yes in the nhs covid is now treated like any other illness... and there are no particular additional rules in place. But the same rules apply as do for all illness. If you,are ill, you can ring in sick. And you absolutely should.

What stopped you from saying you were too ill to work?

Original poster
TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 15:44

Toohardtofindaproperusername · 27/12/2023 15:35

yes in the nhs covid is now treated like any other illness... and there are no particular additional rules in place. But the same rules apply as do for all illness. If you,are ill, you can ring in sick. And you absolutely should.

What stopped you from saying you were too ill to work?

I'm not too I'll to work. I'm just very aware of my Co workers (one in particular) and f2f with patients. I was happy to work isolated but got sent home with no pay because I wasn't wearing a shirt no one would see. Well enough to work but wanted to be warm so I could do my job isolated in a room with no proper heating or ventilation (windows are sealed shut) no heating they have electric fan heaters but no thanks I'm coughing and sneezing and rather wrap up warm instead. It was an 8 hour shift in that room

OP posts:
Thriving30 · 27/12/2023 15:54

I work patient facing in NHS and currently off sick with Covid, I've been told not to go in until I'm symptomless.
Most of my patients are 70+ but I also have a couple of colleagues who are immunosuppressed
But I don't work in a 'high risk' area where patients are particularly vulnerable.
Really strange they'd ask you to go in being positive.

Original poster
TiddyTidTwo · 27/12/2023 15:59

Thriving30 · 27/12/2023 15:54

I work patient facing in NHS and currently off sick with Covid, I've been told not to go in until I'm symptomless.
Most of my patients are 70+ but I also have a couple of colleagues who are immunosuppressed
But I don't work in a 'high risk' area where patients are particularly vulnerable.
Really strange they'd ask you to go in being positive.

As I've found out, I work for a business not the NHS. Well I did know that really but I thought the principles would be upheld. Anyway handed in my notice and manager wants me to ring.

Nope

OP posts: