Hospital appointment - Manager asking to see letter

[manicmuvvaof3]

Hi, I'm after some advice. I have a hospital appt next month and have told my manager I will need to leave early that day. She grudgingly agreed since I was to be the only one in and she has asked another part timer to come in to cover. that was an issue in itself since I am always very flexible and often cover colleagues' absence despite living miles away and having 3 young DC.

She is now asking to see the letter with the appointment details on it so she can "make a copy" . Is she allowed to do this? I work in the public sector (emergency services, office role). I object to it in principle since it could, in theory, be for something intensely private/personal/upsetting - not that it actually is - but nevertheless! Any advice please? Thank you .

I believe employers can ask to see evidence of medical appointments. I suppose if the details are too intrusive you could "redact" them with a black felt tip pen, or just photocopy the bits of the letter showing the hospital name and the date and time of the appointment.

If its not going anything personal on there it might just be easier to show it - the key is to pick and choose your battles :)

Its not completley unreasonable for them to ask to see if you could be trying to pull a fast one (esp if the appt is on a friday) and you want to go early.

You could self certify for that day if you really wanted but that would give you a "sick" mark so we come back to its probably just easier to show the letter.

Ah I see - thank you Marlinspike. I have never had to do this before though we have a newly outsourced HR Department so wonder if this is something they have brought in. Its actually for an Orthopaedic Surgeon re my back so nothing too embarrassing! Just wondering how it would work for someone in early pregnancy/recently diagnosed with cancer or so on - I find it a bit intrusive that's all! thanks for your quick reply

thank you too Grevling, sorry I'm so slow typing you had posted while I was replying to the first poster. Yes, you're right, I should just let it go . Thanks again.

Could you perhaps ask if the letter could be lodged with HR this would keep it more confidential ? Anyway how would they know the details of your illness from the letter? An employer needs to look after your health and safety Might they be able to help you with your bad back if you have to sit at a desk for a long time etc?

Every firm I have worked for has a clause in their contracts saying the reserve the right to ask to see appointment cards/letters. No biggie really.

An appointment card is usually sufficient. Reception at the hospital are used to doing these and just really has the date, time of appointment and the hospital. There isn't any confidential data.

I understand where you i coming from as i would be the same - i had something similar but not for appointment letters. Anyway, best thing to do is check with your company procedures about sickness procedures some companies say that your manager has the right to ask you for evidence. I never have been for appointment evidence.

Do you have a employee welfare section if so could pass it to them and get them to inform manager or like celibin said pass it to HR.

Otherwise, if you didnt want to do they, is it possible to speak to hospital explaining that you need appointment card without medical details for work purposes?I dont think your manager needs to see medical details on letter just date and time i.e. a small appoinment card with hospital name, date and time.

Just seen these additional responses- thank you all. I have had my annual review today and my manager brought it up - I asked it if was a new policy and asked if they could legitimately do this. Gave the scenario of "what if it was cancer/early pg/hiv etc" and said in those cases it would be awkward for employees. I have had hospital appointments on and off for the last 6 years (SPD :() but only work very pt so get enought time off in the week to not need to skive . Have given her a copy of the letter so hope that's the end of it!

I worked in a place where one person was suspected of 'swinging the lead' - lots of appointments with hospital and other officials. She was asked to provide evidence of appointments, but to ensure that it was equal policy to all, and that she was not being picked on / bullied / harrassed, ALL employees were asked to show proof of external appointments.

So although it may feel like an inconvenience / intrusion for you, there may be other wider reasons why it is being requiested.

I was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer and have volunteered all my hospital apps and letters to work before they asked just so they were in the loop. As long as the information was handled appropriately I didn't mind.