Informing work of a medical issue.

Mistybreeze

Hello,

I have recently been diagnosed as having a Pituitary tumor. It is benign, and I was wondering if I have to inform my work place of this. I'm on medication which means I pretty much have no symptoms, and does not impact my work.

However, I do sometimes have to take Doctor's appointments to keep an eye on things (that the tumor hasn't gotten larger, how I'm going with the medication ect...) - and have been told that I will need to have a "chat" with a higher-up if this keeps up. (I've had quite a few appointments in recently while being diagnosed, though I won't need any more until next year at the earliest now) From now on, I will have to have about four doctor's appointments in fairly quick succession every couple of years.

I do always make the time up, and work themselves have acknowledged this, which is why this issue has only now come up. I'd just rather not have to tell them exactly what's wrong, because of the sort of stigma that goes with having a tumor, even a benign one. I know that's probably silly on my side.

Looking into the future; if this also something I would have to state to any potential employers?

Takeaway_Addict

Only if you wanted to. Potential employers are not allowed to ask health questions under the equality act 2010 anymore before offering a job.

For your current employers, I would probably tell them and explain its benign and things should settle down in terms of appointments etc

Personally if its not bothering you and you can work appointments around holidays or days of I wouldn't tell new employers until you had to.

But thats just me. You could always if its a large company talk to HR who can then ok things with the higher ups.

persa

Based on what you've said, I'd be tempted to ask your doctor for a note confirming you have a medical condition which requires regular appointments, but other than that, they are unaware of any reasonable adjustments you require at this point in time.

Sounds like your employer is getting suspicious you've been having real appointments, given the frequency. A simple letter might get them off your back?