Working with covid ward staff.

[Jacky209990]

Hi, I'm 29 weeks pregnant. I've been asked to work occasionally with a member staff who works bank on a covid ward. I don't want to be difficult but the more I think about this the more it is making me feel uncomfortable. Also, don't actually know if my manager is aware. Would you be happy to work with the individual, provided appropriate social distancing is adhered to?

Has your workplace not done a risk assessment? Not an expert on the topic, but from 28 weeks aren't you supposed to wfh, or if not possible reduce social contact? I'd also feel uncomfortable with the prospect you're facing. Talk to your manager

A risk assessment should have been done, I did mention to my manager several months ago but have not seen it. I pretty much work from home most of the time but will need to meet with them several times, which will involve reviewing documentation they have completed and possible lengthy meetings. I'll have to discuss with my manager, they have been pretty good with me, so really don't want to be awkward and shift work to someone else but I really do need to address the risk this poses.

After 28W reduce social contact and Wfh if possible. I’d refuse to meet with them xx

Yes definitely, the sooner the get this sorted the better. Remind them of the risk assessment, it's good you're wfh already. Also, about the covid collueage, why not meet over zoom? You could share the docs via email etc then do it virtually?

It's a bit of a myth that from 28 weeks you should work from home. I work in a school, a risk assessment has been done, if you can social distance and it is safe to continue working, then there is no reason to work from home. Of course you should limit contact with other people, but this isn't always possible. But I would not feel comfortable working with a staff member who is in contact with covid patients. That definitely should've been flagged up on a risk assessment.

I can do I lot of the work via zoom or teams. I'm just under the impression my manager wants me to be supportive with actually spending time with them. My manager has mentioned a few times about not seeing me in person for sometime and it feels like a dig. Then again I may be being sensitive. Also, the documentation I would need to review and sign is part of a hardcopy file. I'm sure there is a way around it, I just need to get my manager on board.

@Jacky209990 your manager doesn't sound particularly professional if they are making digs like that. We're in the middle of a pandemic and they should be looking after you. I agree, there must be a way around it, I don't think you are being sensitive at all, why should you be put at risk if it can be done another way?