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Original poster

difficult situation - relative with mental health problems about to be employed by NHS

65 replies

justsomeone · 20/03/2006 11:14

This is a very difficult situation all-round really. I have a relative on dh's side who is manic-depressive, she's under the care of a psychiatrist and takes various medications, but apparently it's all not working. She has psychotic episodes, completely neglects her young children (sometimes she'll stay in bed all day and the little ones have to fend for themselves - they're very young).
She used to work as a radiographer before having kids, and now, after trying it various other things part-time without being able to hold anyelse down really, has decided to get her old job back (she did not have mental health problems like this back them) and they're eager to have her back, with the shortage in this particular area etc.
I can't help having very grave misgivings about her having a role where she could potentially kill someone by not being 100% well. I would not want myself or my family to be treated with radioactivity by someone who has psychotic episodes and sometimes can't even get out of bed to give her children food.
Will they do medicals/ask for a reference from her GP or anything?

OP posts:
VeniVidiVickiQV · 20/03/2006 11:50

But why is she likely to make a mistake more than anyone else?

Seriously, what do you base that on?

starlover · 20/03/2006 11:52

she may not even have full responsibilites... she may not even be getting her exact same job back!

she may be working as an assistant.. or in a part of the job that doesn't involve delivering huge amounts of radiation...

i mean... whyt always assumet he worst?

Flossam · 20/03/2006 11:54

I don't know the ins and outs of stuff. But when giving IV drugs I have to double check them all anyway. I can't imagine something as powerful as radiotherapy is given less importance.

foxinsocks · 20/03/2006 11:54

I think if you're worried you should speak to her.

zippitippitoes · 20/03/2006 11:57

She has been diagnosed with this illness, I expect she has a high degree of recognition as to whether she is well enough to go into work or not.

It's not like suddenly turning into the incredible hulk at 2 minutes notice

Callisto · 20/03/2006 11:58

More likely to make a mistake because she isn't concentrating on the job. The friend I mentioned earlier wasn't even capable of making a cup of tea some days and this woman can't get up and feed her children. I don't care how narrow minded, prejudiced, unreasonable, uncaring and prone to hysteria you think I am - I wouldn't want her treating me.

foxinsocks · 20/03/2006 12:01

well I'm afraid pyschotic episodes (if that is what she has) can be unpredictable

however, that doesn't mean she shouldn't be working and it may be that she is going to do a lesser role - anyway, I don't think there's much point in speculating, better to have a friendly chat with her.

colditz · 20/03/2006 12:02

NIMBY

colditz · 20/03/2006 12:03

You might have been treated at any point in your life by someone with mental health problems, and you wouldn't know. You wouldn't know because it's not catching.

Callisto · 20/03/2006 12:04

Whatever Colditz.

colditz · 20/03/2006 12:04

Can you imagine how this would sound if we were talking about epilepsy?

WideWebWitch · 20/03/2006 12:06

\link{http://www.mind.org.uk/News+policy+and+campaigns/Policy/Employment.htm\here's what Mind have to say about employment and discrimination.} The first bit says "Employment is an area where people with mental health problems experience extensive discrimination and disadvantage. Employment is a central aspect of social inclusion and plays a critical part in recovery. At the same time the workplace can be a source of damaging stress that causes mental ill health. Mind works for people’s rights to employment free from discrimination, and for good mental health at work. However we see human value and social inclusion as being much broader than employment and challenge measures that marginalise people who cannot work."

And \link{http://www.surgerydoor.co.uk/livingwith/detail2.asp?level1=Living+with+Depression&level2=Famous%20people%20with%20depression\here's a list of famous people who have been treated for mental health issues} - one could argue (and I would) that Winston Churchill affected a lot of peoples lives too.

I don't think this is your business tbh, it's up to her employers to carry out appropriate checks, and a job may be just what she needs. This sounds like busybodiness to me - if you really wanted to help you'd be offering support (help with the children, finding a counsellor, listening) not trying to stop her making a living.

Callisto · 20/03/2006 12:07

It's not catching? Well thanks for telling me that 'cos I thought it was as contagious as 'flu.

colditz · 20/03/2006 12:11

People behave as if it is.

MamaMaiasaura · 20/03/2006 12:17

GRRRRR what an unbelievable load of codswallop is being spouted.. FFS it is a good thing she is going back to a job she enjoysd, it may benefit her, her children etc etc. Ever thought that perhaps stopping work may have contributed?

So what with the psychotic symptoms - many people with depression can experience psychosis actually people when over tired can experience psychosis.

The NHS have an INCLUSIVE policy. One of the real big wigs in mental health care has to og out of county to see their psychiatrist as they are in effect the psychiatrist's heres boss.

Churchill had psychosis and manic depression, as have many other famous people.

I better quit my nursing course (qualify soon) and go hide soewhere because I have PND with some psychosis too!

Justsomeone - mental illness is hugely common and I am sure there are many people you know who have or are experiencing problems.. read up and eductae yourself before judging so harshly!

MamaMaiasaura · 20/03/2006 12:19

Callisto - if she is SOOO incapable who the hell did she pass interview, attend etc?

zippitippitoes · 20/03/2006 12:22

awen haven't seen you post for ages

tissy · 20/03/2006 12:23

sorry if I've missed something, but where does it say that she is a cancer radiographer giving radiotherapy? A "bog-standard" radiographer (if there is such a thing Grin) would take Xrays for diagnosis, maybe run an MRI scanner/ CT scanner, maybe do ultrasound scans. If she is taking Xrays then if she gets the dose wrong, then the pics won't come out and it will be obvious very quickly. Doubt if the machines would allow her to seriously overdose someone. If she has actually got to work, then she should be fine. I used to know a casualty doctor who had a bipolar disorder. When she was there she was great. When she was ill she would go missing for days on end.

As for the application process, well if she has been out of the NHS for a few years she will need to fill in a medical form, which will go to occ health. She would probably also need to have a period of "retraining"/ updating, as things can change quite quickly where technology is concerned. Of course she could lie on the form, but the consequences of doing so are quite serious (disciplinary offence), so if she really wants this job, she'd be better off being honest.

I would wish her luck- we need more radiographers!

VeniVidiVickiQV · 20/03/2006 12:25

Lack of concentration?

You get that from overtiredness. You can get overtired from being a new parent with a newborn baby that wakes 3 or 4 times a night. Should we ban all new parents from working too, mums AND dads (in remotely responsible jobs)?

Let me see, what else can affect concentration...? Errr - everything and anything. Dont be so ridiculous.

MamaMaiasaura · 20/03/2006 12:26

:) zippitippitoes - been flat out.. still am so naughty me being here Grin

Flossam · 20/03/2006 12:30

aLSO, erm, we are all human, prone to mistakes (I have made big ones and not while I am depressed, actually). To stigmatise someone who is or has been mentally ill as someone liable to mistakes is wrong IMO. If anything, I concentrated soooo hard at work and was so concientous. This woman is qualified to fulfill a role and because she has been unwell you are saying she is incapable. Rubbish. You haven't even seen how she is going along. Believe it or not, mistakes are noticed and reported. If she is making them, and more so than anyone else, she will be brought into question. Then it can be assessed if her condition is affecting her work. The fact that you have name changed as well really makes my blood boil!!!!!!!!!!!

zippitippitoes · 20/03/2006 12:34

I admire her for regaining enough confidence to go back to this work. It's difficult returning to work and finding a job you enjoy. Three cheers, I hope she settles in well.

HRHQueenOfQuotes · 20/03/2006 12:38

"The friend I mentioned earlier wasn't even capable of making a cup of tea some days and this woman can't get up and feed her children."

and???? When I had PND (undiagnosed) with DS1 I often stayed in bed until very late - DH would have given him his breakfast before work, and he would play on his own for hours. I didn't do any housework and was completely unmotivated. I didn't work, of any description, and was stuck in the house all day

Similar happened last year when I had PND (diagnosed) with DS2 - except last year I had 'work' - I was (and still am) the director of music at church, and when I was there performed well, it was only at home I would feel low again.

polkadot · 20/03/2006 13:07

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notasheep · 20/03/2006 13:14

justsomeone-lets say i DO understand what you are saying.How poorly is she?
My cousin is a Manic Depressive she USE TO work but has now got to the stage where she will be in a Psychiatric Hospital for the rest of her life.

Surely she wouldnt even be applying for jobs if she was that ill?