Covid, pregnancy & working on a hospital ward

[AlanSundry]

I'm 27 weeks and just been off sick for a week or so with covid. Due back in next week. I was lucky, covid for me wasn't bad (heavy cold-like) &I'm triple jabbed. My previous agreement with my boss was I'd go non-patient facing at 28 weeks (no work from home option but the office i would be in is away from wards). Now they've said its up to me if I carry on light nursing (I.e. no heavy lifting) on the ward or go to the offices, but they are strongly nudging me towards staying patient facing (obviously). So I guess me question is, am I still at risk of catching covid again while pregnant given I've just had it? Or do I just need to treat it like I would any communicable thing like d & v in pre-covid times? I don't feel particularly anxious about it but I'm not sure if that's a good thing!

Bump

I'm in somewhat a similar position having recently caught covid from work as a nurse. If I was you I'd be biting their hand of at the chance to work in the office, I don't have that option and personally have had several complications so it would be would be safer option. It's personal but ultimately your decision. Surely a risk assessment comes into it?

Yeah you'd think so... The problem is they "aren't sure" about the risk, apparently...

Hi Op, I’m a nurse and currently 29 weeks pregnant. In my trust clinical staff are strongly advised to not work in any patient facing roles. I am now off work until my mat leave starts in March. The RCOG do suggest that women beyond 28 weeks do not work in any clinical setting as there is more risk towards a pregnant woman (I think it’s preterm Labour, complications and still birth) I knew I didn’t want to put myself at any further risk as would always question what if if something went wrong but I think it’s down to how you feel and what your trust will allow. Go with your gut and do what’s best for you and baby. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy x

Thank you. It's just tricky as I've just had covid so they're questioning whether that negates any risk

I think one thing to think about is how physical the ward work is (aside from the Covid risk). You probably don't want to be doing 12 hour shifts caring for a whole bay of patients at 36 weeks. Whereas an office job it might be easier to go on working right up to your due date.

If you want to keep working on the ward, could you compromise with say working until 32 weeks and then review a move to office duties?

I’m in a similar position and was given the choice. As my ward is non covid I have decided to work up until mat leave and will just ensure I follow the risk assessment and look after myself ie not lift anything too heavy and ensure I take my breaks.. I just thought pre covid we wouldn’t have been given this choice so while I feel safe I’ve decided to continue to work.. Of course it’s trust dependent and personal preference tho :)

I'v got covid now at 23 weeks and had assumed I'd be safe from covid for at least 8 weeks. I'd be tempted to do as pp said and think about office work around 34 weeks, more so you can rest up a little before baby.
Obviously if you want office duty from 28 weeks I'm sure you can push for that regardless of you having covid now.

What about having a chat with Occupational Health?

Hi @AlanSundry I rang occ health about this yesterday as I am in a similar position. They just said your line manager should complete your risk assessment but weren't able to give me a clear answer yes or no. I feel like a bit of a fraud at work (community post) especially since I had covid a couple of weeks ago. Suppose we can get it again or get a different variant.
Tbh I hate sitting in the office all day id prefer to see patients