Hospitalised situation

[Ladymuck2022]

Hi,

I don’t know if anyone can gauge how my employer will react in possibly longer term (a council) I have been there just over a year and been a returner after a break of 2 weeks I think put through on continuous service as returner recently. (not sure how correct this is, may need to explore this definitely at another time)

I did not foresee coming into hospital for surgery when I last logged off the work laptop, don’t have it to hand to log on to check out policies. Whether I’m getting paid is the least of worries I’m more concerned if the job goes. In for a long fight with Cellulitis.

I’ve been making the sickness call at least twice a week, they are incredibly understanding thus far but I’m can’t help get fearful for the longer term, the only saving grace is it is largely a work from home role. The hospital have come out with a suggestion I work from here but that is not practical with fall buttons and nurse on call buttons going off very frequently. I’m from a contact centre environment with emphasis on call after call minimal wrap time office hours)

I was trying to get home for next week but I am not standing and been bedbound for 10 days, although the positives are I had a picc line inserted yesterday under a local to making receiving IV antibiotic’s a lot easier, when it was spelt out I could get home quicker as a district nurse will come in and administer the medication. Dad is building a proper desk and getting a foot rest.

Do you think the council will get occupational health involved? My only experience of being in hospital before was whilst working for a parcel company who did this but in an actual non remote job and were kind of hell to deal with.

I just don’t know how this is going to work, being remote I haven’t seen first hand what my current employer could do, I only know of one colleague off sick who didn’t return after 4 weeks out who very much intimated to me at the time their choice not to return and I think they were sincere.

Totally aware I’m under 2 years potential drama. Open to the employer visiting me in hospital and 110% put myself in the shoes in a particular line of callers.

What did you witness?

You don't need to offer your employer a drug and alcohol test, it will come across as very strange if you do and have the opposite effect.

Many people get cellulitis, for many reasons. I work in the public sector, we wouldn't have concerns about the cause of cellulitis because it's not uncommon.

Focus on getting well, all this worry isn't good for your health.

Yes, usually they issue them as part of your discharge paperwork but not when you’re in hospital as the length of time you’re staying is an unknown especially something like cellulitis and they don’t want to cause gaps.

I’m unsure why you seem hesitant for OH to be involved. They’re there to ensure that your return to work when you’re ready, and not before. They’ll also ensure reasonable adjustments are made, you’ll need a phased return to work and they’ll advise on this.

Cellulitis can have permanent impacts on the body. I’m not saying that to worry you, but OH would advise your employer to tread very carefully, as they risk disability discrimination if they don’t handle your case correctly. In which case, dismissal within 2yrs because of a disability is illegal, hence OH will be advising your employer to be supportive, Again, I’m not saying this to worry you, but the employer has to consider the bigger picture - they can’t risk exposing themselves by making rushed decisions.

This isn’t a duvet day. You’re clearly unwell and unless there’s something more going on you’ve not disclosed, on the surface there’s no reason to fear your job being lost. Please don’t work from the hospital, it will delay your recovery overall. You should focus entirely on getting better. If you’re unwell in hospital and working you won’t be performing at the level required - and that, you can be dismissed for.

Thank you.

I spoke to PALS today who said I needed complaints and investigation but then they have bounced it back to PALS. I have set out some questions I’d like to receive answers too.

My parents have said they told work it was a flesh eating disease whereas I’ve always worked of it being cellulitis. Even a nurse was like no we thought that was flesh eating for a day or 2 only but it’s cellulitis.

After some net searching I just got ever so scared what I was seeing, but I found a news story 2 years ago a lady was in here same hospital had a birth go normal and then got flesh eating disease hit out of nowhere I actually found her on a social media platform and she’s been really helpful and is keen to continue to get Necrotizing fasciitis out there
Her pictures on the press story had her looking so poorly.

I just need a doctor to put my parents in their place (prone to exaggeration once said I’d broke my neck but actually I simply had a spinal infusion!) and will take whatever comes with work. Although the Ward Sister has just popped by saying they can do an advance fit note tomorrow for me which now reads what I’ve had Cellulitis. Thank the lord.