Sickness, Health and Safety, Maternity - Oh hell, I need some one to help me

[ahedgehogisdueinMarch]

OK please bear with me

I am currently 26+2 with DC2 and am having several issues with my employer.

1. I told them I was pregnant at 9/10 weeks as I was suffering really badly with back pain which I still am now. I ultimately got a workstation assesment (sp)once I was about 16/17 weeks and the main recommendation was a new chair which fits me rather than the one size fits all chair - I have still not received this although have been told that hopefully it should be delivered w/c 7th December.

In the meantime I saw my MW last Tuesday and explained that I was suffering with pains in my hips during the day as I can't sit comfortably in the chair that I have. The MW said 'probably SPD/Pelvic Girdle probs' and see the GP to get confirmation of the way forward. As I had been so uncomfortable at work I decided not to go in until I was able to see a GP.

Saw the GP on Thursday and he said - Nothing that can be done even when I asked about ref for physio/support belt - I then asked him about work as I am really struggling to sit for long periods of time and that is basically what I do. He at that point asked who I worked for and then made a joke about how I work for him (the tax payer) and should stop complaining and made no more useful suggestions than to take paracetamol (I have been taking the max I can since my back first started being painfull).

I made the decision at that point that I would self cert for the rest of the week and try and get some rest and go back to work today.

Now for the spanner in the works.

1. Over the weekend DS1, who has had a cold has caught conjunctivitis. He has then passed this on to me. When I woke up this morning I had to peel my eyes apart, and they have been weeping/crusty all day. We have both seen the GP (again) and both have eye drops but I am still not able to focus on the PC or TV for long periods of time and that is basically what I do for a living. The GP also said that we will both be contagious until wednesday and should avoid unneccessary contact.

Now here is my dilemma. I have spoken to my line manager today and because I had 4 days off last week he has said I have too get a Dr's note if I do not go back to work tomorrow. He left it until 4.45 to call me, although I had called him at 09.45 to let him know the situation.

This coupled with the fact that it has taken so long to sort me out a chair that doesn't leave me limping by lunch time or in severe pain due to my back has me fed up and really like they do not take pregnant women seriously.

What I really need to know is how can I get a Dr's note that covers two illnesses - which I was not expecting to get, and do I have any recourse at them for the fact that it has taken so long to sort out some crucial H&S issues for a pregnant women?

Thanks for reading and please ask if I need to clarify something

Hi,

I think you should be able to get a sick note for the conjunctivitis only - afaik, the sick note is needed for the time after the period of self-certification, and isn't backdated, so in theory shouldn't need to the same cause. But work will need a sick note, they're not just being awkward about that - though sounds like they are being awkward about providing adequate support.

Is there a different GP at your surgery who might be more sympathetic? And can you get a new workplace assessment now you've been diagnosed with SPD?

Sorry, gotta rush but...
Couple of practical things for SPD - get yourself some good running shoes and wear them nonstop, don't put your legs apart, or twist, or walk more than you really need to. Lean into doors not pull or push.(You've probably been told all that already, and your body is probably screaming it at you if not). Give up exercise... (I couldn't find exercise that didn't strain my hips.) The running shoes were a big help for me.

Sorry, can't help with the chair/advice for dilemma. I'd try a couple of really soft cushions or pillows to support you/your backside if you don't get anywhere with work.

It usually clears up pretty quickly though after childbirth.

Your local maternity hospital may have a self-referral clinic for SPD - mine does. Phone up the physio department and ask.

Your GP sounds rubbish, I agree that you should try to change GPs or see someone else at the practice.

Absolutely right for your employer to require a sick note if you are off longer than you are allowed to self-certificate for. It doesn't matter that it is two illnesses, you can get a medical certificate for the conjunctivitis and have already self-certificated for the previous illness anyway.

In terms of recourse for the chair issue, if you don't get anywhere with your employer you could consider contacting the Health and Safety Executive about the problem, but if the chair is delivered as promised next week hopefully that shouldn't be necessary anyway.