NHS 1st stage sickness meeting. What does it involve?

[Workinprogress30]

Just that really. I have been off work for 6 weeks with severe anxiety and depression (and I mean really rock bottom).

My meeting is next week and is being held virtually. I am so nervous. Do I need to go into detail about my health issues?

Do you know if it is informal or formal?

It says formal on the letter

How long have you worked there?

Were you given a handbook or directed to the policies section of the Trust website? Was a copy or link of the policy not included with the invitation letter?

Try not to worry . Formal absence review meetings are the norm within the NHS with long term absences . It’s a policy that all managers have to follow . I am a manager and the usual protocol we follow is to ask after your health ,both physically and mentally and if we can assist in any way . It should not ever be an interrogation and at any time that you feel uncomfortable then you can ask for it to be stopped . I would always recommend a referral to occupational health as they are always going to be your best supporters. Hope this helps and good luck

Try not to worry, I've held many of these meetings and the aim is to see what support you need to ease you back to work if possible. If you're not ready yet then get back up from your GP, as long as you're covered by a sick note. They will want to talk about what you are doing to help yourself and what they can do to support you. They may suggest you see the occupational health team or whether a phased return when you're ready to work would be beneficial, this also usually needs to be supported by your GP and what that might look like. If there is anything work related contributing, tell them now, this gives them the opportunity to put it right before you return. You should have been given a copy of the sickness policy which should cover what the steps are for long term sickness absence. In my trust you have 3 meetings, at least 4 weeks apart after being sick for 28 calendar days, and the 4th meeting would be to consider dismissal but this is very rare and you would need to have been off for 6 months really with no sign off return, ill health retirement or redeployment would also be considered depending on the circumstances. I hope you feel better soon!

Thank you @TSSDNCOP yes the policy was sent to me I just meant more practically what can I expect.
@RedSkySuperStar @Livy178 thank you, that makes me feel so much better. I am planning to return in a couple of weeks and hoping for a phased return. The issue with work is that I hate working from home as I need to keep busy going out to work, but that is not going to change any time soon so I’m not sure they can do anything with that, but I will discuss it with them. I need new coping mechanisms in place...maybe I will start a new thread!

Just to say, that they can do something about working from home impacting your MH - Our Trust CEO said recently that people could come in to work if their MH was being impacted at home.

On a more practical note, I normally ask how you are, if there is anything we can do to help, offer OH referral, offer Trust counselling service etc.

@Wowzel oh really that is brilliant. I will definitely mention it then! There is a lot to be said for getting up and going out to work. I got to the point that I wasn’t even getting showered/dressed all day. I know some people prefer it but it’s just not for me at all

I feel really low today, very very unwell. I am struggling to even go on let alone have a meeting :,( what do I do

Sorry to hear that. When is your meeting?