To take the time off work...

[Teaandcake121]

Will try and keep this short.

Before Christmas I was off work sick for 4 weeks. Its probably not relevant why and I have been providing doctors notes.
I then had leave over xmas and Weds is my first day back.

Yesterday I received a reminder for a hospital appointment which happens to be on Weds morning. I also have another hospital appointment for another speciality a week Weds, which involves me cancelling appointments if I were to attend.

Im not sure what to do. Given I was off for several weeks, I dont feel I can go back and ask for more time off. Id also be willing to cancel the appointments. However...the one I have Weds I already cancelled 2 months ago as we had work training. If i cancel again I will be removed from the list and not given another appointment. Not ideal as I am awaiting test results. My appointment the following week I could probably cancel but im on trial medication and they gave enough to last until this appointment. If I cancel, ill run out and i dont really want to as my symptoms are now under control.
What would you do?

Your health should always come first.

Please go to your hospital appointment. Long term investment in your own health is a far better outcome for your employer. Plus also see the current thread about possibly wasting a hospital appointment due to not doing some of the prep. These appointments are precious and so are you!

Surely if you're well enough to work, you go back to work and let your manager know you need time off for these appointments. You could also ask for an occupational health referral.

Hospital appointments are hard to get, your employer will know that. Go to the appointments.

Don't cancel hospital appointments you either stay of if your unwell or speak to your manager about your upcoming appointments

Honestly put yourself first, your manager should support that 100%. Best of luck

Can you ask your doctor for a fit note with adjusted/phased hours recommended so it’s partially sick this will allow you to return to work with the time off (still as sickness) for the appointments, so for example you could suggest working afternoons only for a week. If the appointments are in the morning. I am unsure what role you do and if this would work, we commonly see adjust hours on return to works after a period of sickness some do half days others work alternate days for a week or two this should allow you to ensure appointments are attended as part of continued sickness period whilst returning to work.. good luck.

Don’t cancel the appointments. You’ll have to tell work you have to attend these appointments. Your health comes first and work will be able to manage in your absence.

Agreed. You need to attend those appointments, regardless of your recent time off sick.

Most (all?) employers will be absolutely fine with your hospital appointments. Sometimes you will need to give time back. Other employers will just let you take a half day off or book AL.
What your specific employer does will be outlined in your contract or workplace policy so check that. Being odd sick for four weeks is irrelevant here.