Denied antenatal appointments and sick note

[Geedo1]

Hi

I was signed off on Jan 2nd with sciatica im 20 weeks pregnant. In October i was off for 2 days with sciatica pain (then went on a/l) i was pregnant then but didnt know.

My gp says it is due to the hormone relaxin softening my bones and getting my body ready.

Anyway.. i still feel horendous cant turn in bed. Walk more than 10 steps. Struggle with stairs and general movement. Also getting stuck on the toilet at night and needing help off.

My line manager is not supportive. Im a nurse and work stood up all day - which i currently can not do.

She has not asked me how i am once on email or phone- i asked for the day im due back at work to have some time alloctaed to go to my scan. Didnt receive a reply so re emailed. To which i was told i have to attend antenatal appt on my day off or use annual leave. I work for the NHS this is bit correct!! I have spoken with HR who confirmed that she is incorrect. I emailed her to say this and she has not replied for 4 days. Im worried sick about going back to work. Im still not well enough but she is pressuring me to go back-she isnt taking my illness or pregnancy serious.

Any help or advice?

I usually turn to the GOV.UK website because they answer all sorts of questions like this really clearly.

For example, here it states very clearly that you ARE allowed paid time off for antenatal care - including parenting classes, never mind medical appointments.

The bottom line is, you cannot be discriminated against for being pregnant. You need to make sure that you have informed yourself of all your rights so that you can tackle your useless line manager calmly and confidently. Get your union involved as well as HR. A risk assessment should also have been done at work and appropriate adjustments made.

You are in a very strong position in the sense that the system is set up to support you and protect your rights at this time so don't let her make you feel otherwise.

Agree completely with TOLBINC. If you don't want to go all round the houses on this, I'd recommend a quick call to ACAS. They can give good straight advice, and even template emails/letters for you to use You need to keep your stress levels to a minimum, and look after yourself and the baby. The Acas helpline number is 0300 123 1100. It is available Monday to Friday 8am-6pm. Good luck and congratulations :)

This type of treatment is so typical of life in the nhs!

I had this with antenatal appointments (I'm also a nurse). My line manager was a midwife ironically but still tried to insist I made the time up or book them on my day off 🙄 Get a copy of the policy and reference it, copy in the matron.

I would refer yourself to occ health and they can recommend adjustments if your line manager isn't willing to. Have you had regular risk assessments done for working and pregnancy?