NHS employee and Asthmatic

[ThisMustBeMyDream]

Please forgive if this has been debated. Until tonight I wasn't sure if well controlled asthmatics were seen as an "underlying health condition". I think the guidance is now clear that it is.

But I work in the NHS in a patient facing role in community settings (GP surgeries, home visits etc).

I have 2 sides of my brain fighting over what to do. I am concerned about my emoloyers reaction, possibly even my colleagues reactions.

What are you doing? Help me here!

Ps. Not in til friday now but need to be clear before I broach any subject with my employer later this week.

Surely you have been asked to inform your line manager of this already? There are hundreds in the same boat.

It happened at 5pm today. No line manager until tomorrow morning.

I've not been asked about any health conditions, no. No one has as far as I am aware.

We were all emailed about it last week.

No email about this. I did check mine today, but as we can only access work emails in our office and we aren't always in the office - plus I am part time, means email is not an effective communication tool in my Trust!

But no. No email other than updates regarding patients etc.

"Please inform your line manager of any chronic immune or respiratory conditions so you don't get put on the rota for being a tester". I hope your Trust catches up!

I'm a midwife. So we are probably behind on all that...

I'm sure you are one of many. Your health is very important too.

I am in the same boat and haven't had any email either.
I am not in work till Wed but am going to ring line manager tomorrow

Are you stressed? I am so worried. Worried at the prospect, worried at time off work, worried for a gazillion reasons right now. I can't sleep. I put my phone down, then my mind races again. The usual...

Yes. Some of my colleagues are being prepared for redeployment too!

No email here, frontline District Nurse with asthma and crohns

Also was worried about that until this evenings announcement!
I took my current job because of the hours. I don't have childcare to cover shifts as a single parent. I work 9-5 now. I have a son with autism and adhd so it is important that my hours stay consistent for him.

At least that worry can go to the back of my mind for now.

I'm very close to retirement so doubt they'd redeploy me but I'm still panicked. I keep telling myself that even the elderly and unwell survive more than die but can't quite get it into perspective

OP I am in exactly the same boat. To be honest, I have no intention of stopping work, my asthma is very mild and well controlled and honestly, I have resigned myself to getting this virus at some point anyway. I am also concerned about childcare etc and being redeployed into the hospital as our services have been hugely cut already - no more homebirths, bf support, antenatal classes etc

We are ringing all women in advance of clinics and visits to ask about symptoms and I guess we just have to hope they offer an honest answer

I have felt very well since moving to community, if I go back to hospital shifts I feel I really will be more vulnerable to the effects of the virus so might just have to see how things go. I felt incredibly run down when I worked night shifts, like most people I guess, but the thoughts of going back to that makes me want to cry hysterically.

I am really conflicted what to do, I'm due to go back to work from mat leave in 2 weeks time but worried about catching this virus. I'm asthma has been bad recently and I've had to have 2 courses of prednisolone last 3 months. Not sure where to go to get a medical review to be honest as everyone is busy with dealing with this pandemic and l feel would just be hinderance if start calling my GP about this.

I am an Nhs frontline worker and have had a risk assessment completed which makes amendments to my role. I suggest this happens. Some people with vulnerabilities could be re deployed to other areas but not so easy with pt facing roles. Another idea is to speak to your GP and ask for their advice. I am scared too, some days with asthma it is difficult to breathe as it is nevermind with Covid. You are not alone that’s for sure. I am praying that is asthmatics get more advice next week x

Do you normally get a flu jab? Do you feel well enough to remain at work? We are using this as the litmus test for comorbidities that make people vulnerable.

We've not been asked in terms of current role (mh) but are mostly trying to work by telephone anyway as all our clients have chronic health conditions. I have been asked re redeployment elsewhere. I've said I'm happy to go but just listed my conditions.

The email also asked if we were prepared to work shifts..I said no because I work p/t due to health conditions but I wouldn't object to going onto a ward etc if I could manage the hours.