nhs policy on night shifts

7 replies

appletiser · 02/04/2009 10:20

Hi does anyone on here work in hospital setting?? I am 28wks and currently doing my night shifts.. have been told by 3 collegues that after 28weeks i am not supposed to be working night shift.. but have heard nothing from human resources or occupational health...anyone know ?

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scotlass · 02/04/2009 10:27

I worked night shifts all the way through my pg with DD1 but that was 10yrs ago. Am community based now so haven't been affected by it this pg. I did have a risk assessment done by my manager tho and you should get one of these, the form had all sorts of things on it but most of it didn't affect me. Occ health is your best source of info and contact your line manager to request a risk assessment relating to your pg

me23 · 03/04/2009 12:27

I know where I am one of the M/Ws is pregnant and doesn't have to do night shifts so your colleagues are probably right. Check with HR and line manager if they not helpful then unison.

toomuchpicknmix · 03/04/2009 12:44

I work in HR and there should be a preg risk assessment done by your line manager which determines what you are Ok to work - and a lot of this is down to your own report of how you are doing.
Some Mums to be are anxious to keep their nights esp if they have other children and childcare all in place.
Some trusts may have local guidelines about the 28 weeks cut off - at my place it is case by case.
Ask HR and OH. if they are not helpful go up the line until you find someone who is
good luck

smurfette15 · 03/04/2009 12:47

I think if you do not want to work nights, your employer has to find an alternative. That's was my hospital's policy when I was pg. Speak to occ health

toomuchpicknmix · 03/04/2009 12:48

agree - they have to assess how You are feeling and find an alternative if you need one

Original poster

appletiser · 03/04/2009 15:15

Went to spk to occ health today - lady there was really patronising and talking to me as if i was over reacting when i told her i am tired, breathless and having real bad braxton hicks at night.. not helpful at all. HR lady is away at the moment so waiting to spk to her..

OP posts:

toomuchpicknmix · 03/04/2009 18:13

having worked in HR for aeons I have found OH depts very patchy
if your HR lady doesn't help try your own line manager or her line manager

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