Losing job due to illness? Update 27/10

Wicked_witch

Useful advice Humphrey.

I don't blame her work, they need people who are reliable and no doubt her absence or poor work reflects on her managers. That said, they could certainly be clearer about her rights and responsibilities rather than worrying her sick. It would be a lot more helpful to say 'if you aren't substantially better by x date we will have to have a disciplinary' or whatever. That's why I posted here rather than benefits or family.

gettingready

She may get a quick GP appointment but a referral to mental health can take a long time and GPs are not always good enough to deal with mental health issues, they just write a prescrption - please look at all options mentioned here

Wicked_witch

Okay, she has spoken to her general manager (who she is scared of but he was actually sympathetic having had similar experience!) and he confirmed they just want her to get signed off work temporarily to start getting better. We are going to the GP tomorrow morning to fill in forms and explain the situation to them so she can get an appt asap.

Thanks everyone.

anarchied

Glad to hear things are moving forward. *hugs*

I'm sure you know this anyway, and I'll say this for the benefit of other people too, but please don't get angry at her when she feels vulnerable, suicidal etc. My mum was originally quite angry at me when I was in hospital and it didn't help, but now she knows it'll only make the situation worse. *hugs again*

Wicked_witch

I would never be angry with her I have clinical depression myself, so not a stranger to the problems people can suffer in that area.

All the best for your recovery.

whitewing

I am told that in our area now, a mh team can visit the patient on the same day that they see the GP if it is requested as a priority by the GP, or within a week or two otherwise. This is a huge improvement over a couple of years ago.

Good luck tomorrow.

anarchied

Wicked_witch wrote: »

I would never be angry with her I have clinical depression myself, so not a stranger to the problems people can suffer in that area.

All the best for your recovery.

Thank you. I hope you and her are well

gettingready

whitewing wrote: »

I am told that in our area now, a mh team can visit the patient on the same day that they see the GP if it is requested as a priority by the GP, or within a week or two otherwise. This is a huge improvement over a couple of years ago.

Good luck tomorrow.

That very much depends on the area where you live unforunately...

I worked in NHS for 10 years and in MHT for just over a year (training on clinical system but not a clinician myself) som know a bit of the care available by area and unfortunately it is not so good everywhere.

OP - all the best and pls come back and let us know how are things?

Wicked_witch

We got her registered at the doctor's on Tuesday and she has an appointment tomorrow, which I will go to with her. My main concern is that her work will try and not pay SSP. She has worked 25/28 hours a week for the last 8 weeks and made about £130 a week, but is on a zero hours contract. Are there likely to be any issues?

whitewing

ACAS may be able to give you some pointers http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1461