Civil Service Medical Retirement - Life After Cancer

englishdesi

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dmg24

Strictly speaking, medical retirement should only be an option if there is no possibility of you ever returning to work (or at least, not for a very long time). If your cancer is clear, it should not be a reason for you to be medically retired. This may be why the doctor took the attitude that he did today. I would imagine that the letter from his boss was based on financial reasons, however this should not be the basis for medical retirement.

The symptoms that you are experiencing now appear to be more of a mental health issue, as opposed to the cancer (although it would make sense that they have been caused by your physical health problems). If this is the case, could you ask your GP for help with these issues?

On a sidenote, you say that you are receiving SSP and IB - I would double check this, as you should not be receiving both together.

Fleago

Hello englishdesi,

I am assuming that you have requested Medical Retirement because you want to access your pension now. It may not be what you want to hear, but I agree with dmg24, it should not be given unless the person concerned is permanently unfit for their duties, or any other comparable duties, until at least their normal retirement age. No matter how unwell you currently feel, the OH physician that you saw will be basing his decision on a long term prognosis, which it would appear he has judged to be a positive one.

There will, however, be a right of appeal for you against this decision, should you wish to pursue a Medical Retirement. I've had a quick google looking for Civil Service procedures for you and I think that this link may have useful information for you. Also, if you are a member of a Union, you may find it helpful to speak to them as they may be able to assist in gathering further medical information for appeal purposes.

I also agree with dmg24 that it would be a positive thing for you to see your GP for help with how you are currently feeling.

I'm sorry that what we've both had to say may be disappointing for you, but I wish you all the best and hope that you continue to get well.

nanokitten

englishdesi, It sounds really tough.
I guess you have probably got your hopes up that you would get medical retirement and its got to be gutting to find out you might not (but I'd keep pushing).

Have you been in touch with Mcmillan yet? as well as nursing they provide support to both sufferers and survivors of cancer and can provide both emotional financial and employment advice. http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Get_Support/Who_to_turn_to/Who_to_turn_to.aspx
Macmillan might be able to provide some specialist support on medical retirement specific to cancer.

Secondly it sounds like you have been left pretty traumatised by your ordeal (which is normal) and it might help to find some emotional support. Again mcmillan specialise in this sort of thing but you could always as your gp or consultant to refer you to a clinical health psychologist (who specialises in coming to terms and managing long term health conditions).
I think that how you feel about your disease has a big impact on how well you manage to cope and to live your life.

Althought he sounds like a tactless horrible doctor, maybe you can find some comfort in the fact that he doesn't think you should be writing youself off just yet. I think that the prospect that you might be able to regain your health sounds hopeful (if it is realistic). good lucK with it all.

TaBunny

Hi I'm sorry I don't have any advice but wanted to send you hugs and say I'm thinking about you and hope you get some good help soon.