Can I get sacked for this?

Mrs_Ryan

hi everyone - just got a quick question.

I work for the NHS in a community hospital as an HCA. Their sickness policy is extremely strict - if you're off for more than 10 days in a certain period you get sent for this 'disciplinary' type meeting with your ward manager, someone from HR and the hospital manager.

I was off in December with a very severe chest infection which hadnt cleared up properly when I went back, culminating in me being rushed into hospital in January. I was signed off sick by the hospital for one week, but because this pushed me over the threshold i had to go for this meeting. Now everyone talks about this meeting in less than favourable terms as they do not allow you a union rep to accompany you, knowing this is sailing close to the wind.

I had my meeting the other week, 6 months after the sickness happened, and in this six months I had had no absence at all. My ward manager was fine with me as she knows my circumstances, but the hospital manager was horrible basically saying she doesnt believe that ANY reason for calling in sick is genuine and that she doesnt want people calling in sick in her hospital.

Now unfortunately on Sunday I had an accident in which I fell down the stairs at home and have broken my toe, I went to the local walk-in centre today, and they confirmed it as broken, strapped it up and advised me to stay off it. I rang in and spoke to the staff nurse, explaining what had happened and saying I really still wanted to come in as I was frightened of the repercussions of calling in sick. I can hardly walk on it, its extremely swollen and painful, and getting any shoes on is almost dam near impossible.

The staff nurse has said I shouldnt try to come in, and to call tomorrow and speak to the deputy ward manager about what I should do for the following days. I have taken photos of the swollen and bruised toe to prove the injury, and also would give them permission to access my medical records to prove I did seek proper treatment. Im still absolutely terrified that they wont believe me, and I will get sacked for ringing in sick when I wasnt. I have been there exactly a year (the commencement date on my contract is August 4, 2008) Question is, I have done everything I can to prove that my reason for ringing in is genuine, so could they still sack me for it?

Thanks everyone. xx

Skintslimmer

That is appauling, is it any wonder there are so many HAIs if staff are afraid of this?!

Mrs_Ryan

Everyone says the same thing - hence we get loads of people dragging themselves in when they are clearly not fit to be there. I've not been signed off - I was just advised to stay off it for a week, but I've been off it two days already.

johnsmi

Please Please everybody dont let any little shet of a manager bully you because of a gennuine illiness. You have only one life and if you are sick its up to yourself to take care of it.

Used to be a simililar policy in the place I used to work, if you missed more than 9 days in any given 12 mth period then you would be dragged before the powers that be for so called counselling.

Lets look at things in presceptive 365 days in a year take away your annual leave and weekends +plus bank holidays so there must be about 220 working days in any given working year, and yet they expect you be like a robot and never be off sick, excuse me for saying so but even to be off sick for 9 days out of that 220 is not a great amount.

Always remember there will be a greater fuss at work over some machine that is broken down than some poor individual who is gennuinely sick!

I am talking here about genuine illiness not the usual lot who will take the same day off every week.


John

mrcow

Mrs_Ryan wrote: »

but the hospital manager was horrible basically saying she doesnt believe that ANY reason for calling in sick is genuine and that she doesnt want people calling in sick in her hospital.

Tell her to put that in writing.


Was your meeting documented?

Mrs_Ryan

Yes, it was, but I just had the piece of paper shoved in front of my nose to sign while I was doing something else so I didnt actually see what it said.

Louise22

What an absolutely appalling way to treat staff huh? so what if you contracted swine flu? go in and spread it and ultimately cost the NHS more money in treating it?! what a joke - I feel for you having to work with people like that. Thats what annoys me about sickness policies - a couple of people who take the pi$$ ruin it for everyone - people who are in genuine need of time off. So even of you broke a leg you would not have a genuine reason? Jesus...

Debt_Free_Chick

No, you can not be simply or easily sacked. The disciplinary process must be fair and reasonable - the employer must fair and reasonable too. If they did take further action, then you have the opportunity to appeal.

It should have been made clear to you whether this meeting was a formal part of the disciplinary process or not - ideally in writing. And the outcome of a formal meeting should be in writing.

If it wasn't, then it seems that this was an informal discussion only.

Do you have a copy of the disciplinary process? Can you get it? If so, read it and understand what the process is, in case they put you through it. Also, read the sickness/absence policy too - and post any questions up here.

The hospital manager's behaviour was unacceptable, IMO.

And ...

Mrs_Ryan wrote: »

but the hospital manager was horrible basically saying she doesnt believe that ANY reason for calling in sick is genuine and that she doesnt want people calling in sick in her hospital.

LOL! She'll soon be out of job then if no-one's allowed to be sick! :rotfl:

DVardysShadow

Mrs_Ryan wrote: »

I had my meeting the other week, 6 months after the sickness happened, and in this six months I had had no absence at all. My ward manager was fine with me as she knows my circumstances, but the hospital manager was horrible basically saying she doesnt believe that ANY reason for calling in sick is genuine and that she doesnt want people calling in sick in her hospital.

Ah a good old fashioned hypocrite. She thinks that staff can choose not to be ill. Perhaps she should sack all of the clinicians and enthuse the sick, injured and dying with her philosophy and save the NHS a fortune. But perhaps she just thinks there is more money in keeping the sick in her hospital.

momoyama

Mrs_Ryan wrote: »

I work for the NHS in a community hospital as an HCA. Their sickness policy is extremely strict - if you're off for more than 10 days in a certain period you get sent for this 'disciplinary' type meeting with your ward manager, someone from HR and the hospital manager.

It's common to complete a "back to work" form with your line manager. In some institutions even after just one day sick. Anything more than that is excess and could constitude bullying on the basis of intimidation. Involve your union.

DVardysShadow

HCA = Health Care Assistant?

I would suggest to turn up to work if you possibly can, on crutches if necessary, and when ever odd pair of footwear works for you. No theatrical, just totally genuine. Report to your supervisor and ask for tasks appropriate to your condition. If you are given any inappropriate task, ask for a Health and Safety Assessment. Consult your Union. You are in a Union?