Serious illness before retiring

Old_Trout_3

Hi!
Hope someone can give me some advice. My husband is due to retire in March after full 22 years of service. He has just had a very serious health problem that could have killed him. He was in the middle of doing all kinds of resettlement courses. He will be out of action for at least 3 months. He is very worried about the situation. If anybody can give me any advice on what help we could get, what he's entitled to etc. I would be very greatful. Nobody from the official RAF has contacted me since he got ill. After I got back from the hospital on the first night, I got in touch with the only colleague I knew and asked him to pass on the information that he was ill and what had happened, which he did. He has been wonderful but nobody else from his workplace has contacted me. I have heard nothing from any Family Liaison Officer (and I assume they have one....) It is going to be very hard. I have a full time job, although I have been off since he took ill a week ago. I will probably have to take time off to care for him. I'm a civil servant with the MoD but cannot remember how long I can take paid special leave. I am thinking of asking for sick leave since I'm absolutely exhausted from driving to the specialist hospital he's in and the long days there. His family flew over for a few days but otherwise we have nobody nearby. My family is in another country.
Anybody who has been in a similar situation, please give me advice. Thanks in advance for any information you can give me.

debtfreein2009

Hi OldTrout

I'm sorry I can't offer any pratical advice, but I would suggest calling the RAF Families Ferderation - 01780 781650. I'm not sure if they can offer you any help, but I do think that it would be a good starting place. I'm sure they'll be able to point you in the right direction.

It sounds like you're having a really tough time at the minute and I wanted you to know that my thought are with you and your hubby. I hope he's on the mend soon and you can get some support and advice.

Take Care and keep us updated with your progress.
DFi2009 x

debtfreein2009

debtfreein2009 wrote: »

Hi OldTrout

I'm sorry I can't offer any pratical advice, but I would suggest calling the RAF Families Ferderation - 01780 781650. I'm not sure if they can offer you any help, but I do think that it would be a good starting place. I'm sure they'll be able to point you in the right direction.

It sounds like you're having a really tough time at the minute and I wanted you to know that my thought are with you and your hubby. I hope he's on the mend soon and you can get some support and advice.

Take Care and keep us updated with your progress.
DFi2009 x

EDIT..... I think your first call should be to the chief clerk. He will be able to advise you of the help available in the circumstances and will point you in the right direction. I would certainly try him first from the work point of view and the RAFFF from the family welfare side of things.

mrsfarnie

Hello. Can I just ask, Has he been to see the SMO at his medical centre. He or yourself needs to see them to make them fully aware of the situation, although he is on resettlement he is still a serving member of the armed forces. Make sure that you see the SMO or deputy, don't get fobbed off with a locum. I am an ex RAF medic and I am sure that once the SMO deffered someones resettlement as they were too ill to do it at that moment in time. Howver if his condition is that serious there are actions that the medical centre will need to do.i.e. inform the top dogs as it were. As the above post states, I too would also contact the cheif clerk and also my line manager. I think it is terrible that you have no support, these people forget that he has done his time and he is STILL a member of the armed forces. and a human being. Hope all works out for you and your family.xx

Geezer_BJ

Have you tried to contact the SSAFA Social Worker that covers the base where you are stationed. They can help you and your husband.
If you do not know the local contact details go to ....
http://www.ssafa.co.uk/contactUs.asp you specifically want 'In Service' rather than ex service.
Best Wishes .....

Old_Trout_3

Thanks for all your answers. I will try and get my head around enough to follow your advice. To mrsfarnie, no he has not contacted the SMO as yet since his big achievement so far is managing to sit up, and today to have a few steps unaided. But he will as soon as we get him home.
Luckily my doctor has given me four weeks off and that will help a lot. Thanks again to all of you.

reddoggybag

I would definately make contact with the Chief Clerk or WO PMS who will put you in touch with the various welfare agencies, also if you prefer speaking to a civilian try the Hive as they are also in the welfare loop. Regarding his resettlement you will need to contact the RRA who will be found in your station learnign centre, he is able to apply for deferal of your husbands resettlement for up to two years if he is medically unable to undertake training. Please ask for assistance with all this there are people there to help you. Good luck x