Working in patient focused role

[Lexi2093]

Hi all,
Looking for some advice from folk who are working in health care.
I work for a local authority and it’s been a real uphill struggle during Covid, they have no guidelines about pregnancy and Covid.
I’m coming up to 28 weeks, the NHS guidelines for employees says no patient contact.
I’m worried that work are going to make me continue working with patients because they don’t have their own policy. I want to, and feel able to, work from home. It’s really starting to stress me out now and effect my sleep, which can’t be good for baby.

Does anyone know if consultants give sick notes? I was hoping to get one saying reduced duties, has anyone been through this?

Thanks in advance!

Are you in a union? If so I would speak to them and know your rights.
Your employer should have guidance/policy in place for this and I’m surprised your supervisor/manager hasn’t mentioned it to you.
If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your manager I would suggest speaking to occupational health and get the info from them x

Yeah, luckily I am, but I don’t really want to get them involved.
Honestly there’s nothing in place, the whole thing has been a joke, managers making decisions without any guidance or rationale.
I might contact Occ health for a pregnancy assessment at 28 weeks. Thank you :) x

I work in a local authority in a public facing role going into peoples houses, are you sure there isn’t advice for whoever they use for occupational health? There was for us and I’m strictly WFH since 28 weeks... not even going into the office.
I’m 32 weeks now.

Have you asked HR?

@Milkshake54 aw really! That’s interesting, yeah I’m going to ask for a occ health referral before 28 weeks for some guidance.
HR have been useless to be honest, or our go to person is, she never responds to emails or answers the phone.

Rcog has guidance on coronavirus and pregnancy.
Also refer to RCN guidance if you are a nurse.
Second asking HR, and occy health for back up.
And maybe get your midwife/consultant opinion on it, then they can back you up too.
I'm a nurse for NHS, 32 weeks now, and been non patient facing since 26 weeks, as I felt more comfortable not seeing patients. Luckily we have thag role in my department. I book covid swabs for patients going for aerosol generated procedures, and then telephone pre assess too.
Lots of girls on the wards have been sent off at 28 weeks as there is no admin for them to do.
I'll be working til 36 weeks unfortunately!