Disciplinary investigation

[Hellosummer]

I've been told that I am going to have a formal disiplinary process against me. Apparently I'll receive a letter in the post outlining te reasons.
I suspect it's o do with poor record keeping and general underperformance at work- not retuning phone calls in a timely fashion, getting behind on admin.
I admit this has been going on for 6-12 months and its only when I took time off for stress that its all come to light.
I've had a horrendous time in my personal life, separation/ divorce and buying/ selling house.
This is the first time the quality of my work has been called into question.
This is the nhs.
Am I likely to get written warning ? Will the fact that my personal life has been traumatic impact on there leniency?

[Hellosummer]

An update- nearly 4 weeks on and I havnt had the letter outlining the allegations yet.....

[oldendaysending]

What a relief for you; my heart went out to you. All the very best for your future x

[Featherbag]

That's good to hear Summer, pleased you're sounding more positive!

[fubbsy]

Glad to hear you are feeling a bit more positive about things hello.

I think your plan is a good one. Admit you made mistakes, say you are sorry, and agree steps to take to resolve the issues going forward.

[Hellosummer]

An update/ met with manager Again who was talking positively about helping me make changes to my working day So that I find things easier at work. She said I was highly thought of by colleagues and other positive things. Am hoping that if I come clean in the investigation, hold my hands up and acknowledge my failings that I will just receive a caution- written warning. The way she was talking it doesn't sounding I'm for the chop.

[Hellosummer]

Thanks .

[Featherbag]

Yes, a final written, but after 12 months it'll be removed from her record.

[Hellosummer]

Thanks feather . Did she get a written warning?

[Featherbag]

Summer I don't really want to give details as I know she's a MNetter and it's not my story to tell, but it was serious, she's a registered HCP and although it was a very stressful time she kept her job! May have even been considered more serious as she was suspended while the investigation went on.

[Hellosummer]

I'm planning on doing just that feather.
Acknowledging that I have failed in some aspects of my role- have let down clients, colleagues and the reputation of the trust.
I have jotted down suggestions as to how I can take steps to make sure it never happens again- reducing my travelling time and making ring fenced admin time.
It's only a few isolated cases - most of my caseload have received good care within our guidelines.
I am planning on taking full responsibility - but extenuating circumstances in my personal life had allowed my standards to slip. Booking the counselling through work before I even knew about this should be a positive.
What is your friends situation?

[Featherbag]

My advice from supporting a friend through similar -
Make sure you give 110% from now on
Don't be tempted to make excuses for your failings - acknowledge them, acknowledge the potential consequences for your patients and your colleagues, acknowledge the extra work someone will have had to do to put right your mistakes
Get support from your GP and any other HCP you've seen - show you've been dealing with the root cause
Gather testimonial evidence from colleagues proving your previous good work history
Offer to undergo any retraining deemed necessary
In short, don't let them point out anything negative to you, show you have a full insight into what's happened, and the knock-on effects, plus how you've already taken steps to put things right and how you're planning to continue rectifying the situation and ensure it never happens again.

I really hope it goes well for you, keep us updated!

[Hellosummer]

No..... Although I'm trying to be positive.
I haven't been suspended
They said that they are sympathetic to personal circumstances
I just have to wait for the letter then I can put together my side.
It's awful waiting. The worst case scenarios keep coming to mind- losing my professional registration, being sacked.

[Virgil]

Any further news from them yet?

[Hellosummer]

Yes square parrot- nose is to he grindstone .
Just took my eye off the ball :(

[squawkparrot]

Wait until you get the letter, then let's have a look. In the meantime all this speculation is clouding the issue and making things worse. But, one piece of advice I shall give, but it may be unwelcome, is to make certain you perform your job well from now on.

[Hellosummer]

Oh I'm sick with worry .

[Hellosummer]

Yes- don't even know if its a specific incident or a more general thing

[Moxiegirl]

Hope it goes your way. The waiting is awful isn't it.

[Hellosummer]

Spartacus - no , we'll, some clients have missed follow up but it's not life threatening.
It's the not knowing exactly what it is try are investigating that's the killer, but I know I have been underperforming, notes not as detailed as try shond be, not following up on onward referrals, treatment not delivered in a timely way, people waiting too long.
It's good I have insight I think, and it was only when I stepped away from work I could see what I'd done wrong- it wasn't a surprise when my boss came to see me but I was surprised that they are following formal paths without a warning. But I suppose they have to follow procedures .
Thanks

[minniedriver]

You are not a HV by any chance are you?

They have to consider the whole picture and take into account your circumstance,your previous work record etc,

The fact your line manager knew you were struggling with personal issues..did he/she do anything offer to refer you to occ health? Suggest anything else? If not this needs highlighted your employer has a duty of care to you and issues in your personal life can impact on your work.

The fact you went off after your appraisal means your manager should have put a plan in place when you returned to work following your sick time since they were obviously then aware of how bad you were feeling.
It is good that you booked some counselling.

If it comes to a disciplinary hearing would your colleagues speak up about the workload to support you?

Even though the union might not act on your behalf due to it being a on going investigation when you joined if you joined you could access free advice/ telephone helpline etc and sometimes helpful reps will speak to you and give you some pointers even if they can't directly support you.

It's also good you are not being taken away from client contact.

Try to have some quality time with your children this weekend and a glass of wine tonight when they are in bed if it helps.

I really don't think it will go to a hearing there is also a time frame for investigations as well so it can't drag on forever.- 'This too will pass'

[Spartak]

Is the fact that your record keeping isn't up to date likely to cause any concern for the safety or wellbeing of your clients?

[Hellosummer]

Do these people have any compassion ?? Ie - would that fact be taken into consideration as well as my personal circumstances?

[Hellosummer]

I didn't really tell my main manager what had been going on in my personal life, but my immediate boss knew from the beginning- last summer. I have been upset in the office at times which other colleagues have seen. I had my review in march where I lost it and ended up going home in tears. The stress at home the cause.
When I went off sick I think some clients complained but because I couldn't firefight them they escalated to higher level- who looked at he notes and saw that I hadn't provided follow up as promised.
As soon as I returned to work I booked myself onto some staff counselling sessions, so hopefully that will help me both emotionally and put me in a good light- eg - when I had time off I realised I wasn't coping and did something to help myself.
I think it's a stressful job, ( I have seen 2 other colleagues crying ths week due to heavy workload) and combined with what I had going on in my personal life - led me o make mistakes and fall behind on notes.
My actual practice isn't being called into question I don't think- and indeed I have 3 thank you cards from colleagues and clients from the past 6 months.
This is the first time ever I have been disciplined in 15 years.
I am still allowed client contact so it can't be that bad.....
I'm just so worried- I am now alone with my kids and what if I have to sell my house ??

[minniedriver]

Your investigation official letter should tell you what exactly they are investigating.There should be no nasty suprises.

In meantime gather up supporting evidence your work diary to show how busy you were...the dates you were off sick and the reason why.Were you supported when you returned to work phased return etc? In the weeks leading up to you going off sick did you report to anyone how you were feeling? Did they respond?

During the time that you made the omissions/errors
Did you advise your manager at any time how busy and stressed you were? If so copy the email or letter...what was their response? If none that also needs highlighted.

Do you have the same level of support as others doing the same job as you? Eg secretarial support mobile phone?If not this needs highlighted.

Any colleagues also as busy- could they be called as witnesses?

If you are not in the union you can take a colleague in as a support and note taker into any interview- they can't say anything but even having someone taking notes for you is a help.

I really don't think you are for the chop...if your work record has been positive up until now I can't see it happening.Also like others say you would probably have been suspended.

Try not to worry and refer yourself to occupational health.

Hope that helps .

[Hellosummer]

Thanks feather, I hope so . I can't stop thinking about it . If I lose my job I'm up shit creek