Any NHS workers here? Are you at work?

[Asianchick6693]

I work in a lab where they test covid19 samples. I'm not to worried about contracting the virus from the samples in the lab but more worried about being amongst people of the public at work and during my breaks! Saw a bunch of nurses not practising social distancing all sat huddled around a small table having their lunch and chatting away! Feels frustrating that some people won't take it seriously. Not sure if I am safe being here! Nearly 6 weeks pregnant x

Can you take your own food so you can avoid going into public areas/staff canteens?

I have my own lunch. I still have to sit somewhere to eat and the hospital has blocked off all sitting areas in the canteen etc. I wasn't sitting next to them just concerned they are taking it all too lightly and can easily pass it around if they are infected.

I work for the nhs but I’ve now been told to distance for 12 weeks as I’m high risk pregnancy . Thank you for all you do x

I work in a department in a hospital, we try as much as possible to distance ourselves but it's more or less impossible in a cramped space. I'm still having close contact with patients during tests but all routine OP appointments have been cancelled so not seeing many. But on the wards where I'm still having to carry out tests there is no distancing at all because it's impossible.

So should add that to them they're in close contact anyway so having lunch close together makes no difference!

I'm an A&E doctor. I've not been back to work since the guidelines changed for pregnant women. I'd never forgive myself if anything happened, so I've got to put my baby first! I am 9+4 today

I’m at home. I have SPD too which was making it unbearable to work so I’m honestly glad to me at home.

I’m a nurse and newly pregnant. My trust have told me to stay at home for another 12 weeks. I work in mental health so fortunately this is possible as can do a lot of my assessments etc by phone.

They carried out a risk assessment on me today and offered me to have my own room during lunches and breaks. That eases me worries a little but my managers haven't really been clear on how risky it is, if I contract it during pregnancy. None of the consultants have said so either but they have said I should stay away from all covid and respiratory samples.

Can anyone advise me? Ideally I'd want to stay home to protect my baby but I'm afraid because just before finding out I was pregnant, I was off for depression and anxiety for nearly 2 months. I feel like I have barely contributed and feel guilty about wanting to isolate after being back so soon but at the same time I'm so worried about keeping my baby safe. I really don't know what to do.

@Asianchick6693 I was off last year from May to October , long term. I went back and fell pregnant in the December (we were trying), in Jan I was off for two weeks with severe sickness, in Feb I was off for two weeks as I was admitted to hospital with what they think was Corona virus now but at the time it was just put down as severe resp infection and sepsis, and now I’m off for 12 weeks! They can’t dismiss you or anything as it’s pregnancy related and your absence before this was also covered by sick note xx

@GaaaaarlicBread problem is I'm still on probation. I started last year Nov, went off sick mid Jan and only came back on phased return last week. I found out I was pregnant when I was off. Before finding out I was pregnant, one of my managers told me in my back to work because of the length of time I've been off I need a probationary review which means I could be let go. I feel like whatever action I take now, they might hold against me. I know it sounds ridiculous but I cant help but feel worried and I'm also in no place to lose my job either.

I'm a healthcare assistant on a busy medical ward, I was going to work as usual but my partner came home from work not very well so work told me to stay off for 2 weeks. Then after 3/4 days they rang to say I need to stay off for the 12 weeks. I'm currently 27 weeks so going to start my maternity at 36 and hopefully be able to take holiday. I am worried about how it will affect my maternity pay but I would rather keep me and the baby safe x

There’s anotherthread lower down on the board about NHS workers :) titled is pregnant nurse and covid x

I work on a ward and have been off work for 2 weeks and they’ve put me on medical leave till 21st June up to now.

I’m 32 weeks pregnant and have had to take the time up till my maternity leave kicks in as sick pay as my trust still wanted me to go into work (frontline nurse). Even though all the guidelines state especially 3rd trimester should avoid direct patient contact and should be at home. Really disappointed that I’ve had to ruin what was a clear sick record x

@Emmacb82 I'm so sorry you're having to go through that. It's horrible especially as they said anything further than 28 weeks is at risk. Did you try and get different opinions like from occ health etc? At least you're off and safe. All the best for the rest of your pregnancy xx

@Asianchick6693 do you happen to have a union ?

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/pregnancy/3850659-pregnant-nurse-with-new-guidance-re-covid-19

Have a look at this thread, many nhs workers have commented with their trusts guidance etc. There is also plenty of links to maternity rights groups, it’s worth a watch if you’re looking for some advice xx