Been signed off sick for 3 weeks by GP, been really unwell, went to a local shop with husband for some fresh air and to get out just for a few minutes - going stir crazy. Walked in to be faced by one of my managers who looked very surprised to see me. I said hello but neither of us spoke apart from this. My husband says I should not worry about others opinions as I am not well enough for work your thoughts?
2006-10-12 07:20:18 · 28 answers · asked by candy 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
A big thanks to all, some very valid points -great moral support.
2006-10-12 21:44:06 · update #1
I have been in the medical world for over 9yrs now and have had numerous arguments with employers about people signed off work sick. It really annoys me when the situation arises.
I explain to them that I cannot discuss an individual patients details but I make one thing very clear to them...
If a person is made medically unfit to work then it is exactly that - UNFIT TO WORK. It does not mean unfit to drive a car or do shopping or even go for a walk.
You should definitely not be concerned.
If anything is said to you when you return to your job, do two things...
1) Ask your employer which medical college he attended.
2) Visit your local Citizens advice Bureau.
Get well soon.
2006-10-12 07:36:13 · answer #1 · answered by paddymac 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I totally agree with your husband, though I do know what you mean. If you've been off for three weeks, you need to get fit by doing usual things at home before facing work which is a lot more demanding.
Just because you're ill doesn't mean you have to be a prisoner in your own home.
Keep going out for fresh air and get well soon.
2006-10-12 09:46:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've have been off work after an op (official signed off by GP) for 3 months. Part of my recovery program is to walk every day gradually increasing distance so if my walk takes in a shop ok. Im still not fit to work. Forget it.
2006-10-12 07:36:27 · answer #3 · answered by troublescat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have every right to do whatever makes you feel better. If that is a walk to the shops so be it.
I spent 6 months on the sick last year and was taken to the cinema every other week, on doctor's orders, as part of getting me well. I was actively encouraged to walk the dog and go out and talk to people.
I hope you are well again soon
2006-10-12 07:30:51 · answer #4 · answered by thecat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have been signed off by your GP then you have nothing to worry about. Just because you are off sick does not mean you have to be confined to barracks. What would have happened had you been on your own? You would have needed some shopping and would have no-one to get it but yourself. Your employer cannot sack you - it's against the law and if he tries to , you have every right to take him to tribunal for unfair dismissal.
2006-10-12 09:45:58 · answer #5 · answered by pussycat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a manager, I shouldn't worry. most contracts state that when you are off work poorly, you are not to participate in activitiesthat may stop you from getting better. If going out to the shops, getting some fresh air helps you, then it's fine. if you were out on a night out drunk out your skull and you saw your boss, then I would be worried!
Get well soon!
2006-10-12 07:24:04 · answer #6 · answered by Jenni B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's completely natural to feel bad, or even guilty in a situation similar to this. However, try your hardest not to let it bother you- it will only make you feel worse in the long run! A GP is not going to give you an excuse from work if they did not feel it wasn't neccessary and or needed! Just relax and take care of yourself so that when it is time to go back to work you will be back to "normal"!
2006-10-12 07:25:45 · answer #7 · answered by PBnJ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you really are ill then you shouldn't even be thinking about it. He is right, it don't matter what they say, of course co-workers are going to be a little jealous, being you are off for a while while they have to work all week. Just because you are sick, don't mean you can't go no where and have to stay couped up. Just relax and get well.
2006-10-12 07:27:30 · answer #8 · answered by iansbabygirljess 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why are you out if you're "really unwell" in the first place? I don't want to leave my bed if I'm too sick for work. Yeah.. I would be concerned if I were you. This doesn't look good to managers.
2006-10-12 07:23:19 · answer #9 · answered by Crystal B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with your husband, just because you are well enough to go to a local shop doesn't mean you are necessarily well enough to go to work. Don't worry, your GP will back you up if need be.
2006-10-12 07:25:08 · answer #10 · answered by DAWN B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋