Should I give consent to access medical reports

Savvy_Sue

So sorry to hear that RBK, but hope that you will continue to get the help and support you need. Hugs.

impy78

Just wanted to say that I am so sorry that you are having such a hard time.

I totally understand why you didn't tell your employer about everything, as I have had difficulties in the past myself with employers treating me badly as a result of the information they have received.

I hope it all works out for you.

xxx

Sugar_Coated_Owl

Just to update further. I retracted my notice back in Dec. and have continued working for the same company doing the same job. However, at the end of last week my manager was concerned as she had noticed old scars (bracelet moved) and also wondered why I had been wearing a cardigan over my uniform. I was honest and said it was because of self-harming. She asked to see my arms. I declined but she insisted so I showed her. Yeah, she was horrified. Work are well aware of my depression/self-harm as mentioned in other posts so I didn't think it would be a big deal. Anyway, my manager informed the area manager who came in today to talk with both of us. The outcome of the meeting is that I have been suspended on medical grounds. The area manager said that if I can get a letter from a healthcare professional stating that I can:

• work unsupervised
• work in a dispensary
• work with dispensing medication

then i can return straight away. My social worker doesn't think that the area manager can ask for this kind of information and suggests I seek legal advice. Needless to say my Doctor couldn't/wouldn't write a letter. If I'm unable to get this letter then I have to go through the whole process of the company refering me to a Doctor AGAIN *sigh*

Does it sound like the employer is in the right here? I totally disagree with the suspension but I'm keen to know others opinions on the matter.

dmg24

Hi rbk,

Is your manager new, was she not aware of this before?

What was the recommendation of the BUPA doctor last time you saw them?

Unless they have evidence of you currently self harming (how are you at the mo? x), and not old scars that you have always been honest about, I agree that the grounds for suspension are unfounded.

How would you feel about seeing the BUPA doctor again?

I don't think that any doctor would agree to stating what they are asking (I don't think they would state this for anyone), as it would make them liable if something was to happen. TBH if it was me, I would feel like I was being discriminated against x

Sugar_Coated_Owl

The letter that was sent to the HR department regarding the outcome of the appointment with the Bupa Doctor said this:

As you are aware *name* has had a history of depression and self-harm. She has had numerous hospital admissions and several interventions. She is regularly monitored and reviewed by the social worker and CPN. She is currently in a better mood. She has indicated that her job is not an issue as she enjoys her work and wishes to complete her pharmacy course.

As you are aware she is currently fit for work and the Occupational health physician has indicated there is nothing the employer can do to assist. *name* has been advised that her attendance must improve.

No, my manager has been there throughout.

The cuts she insisted on seeing (I have been wearing a cardigan so as not to have them on show) are recent. The scars she saw on my wrist (covered by bracelet) are fairly old.

My company no longer use Bupa as they now use their own ppl. (my company is now part of Boots). I'm not keen on being sent to see yet another Doctor tbh. The process last time really got to me.

Savvy_Sue

I would suggest ringing ACAS. I am frankly horrified that a manager would even think of insisting on seeing your scars, recent or not. If she had concerns then she could probably insist on talking to HR or OH about whether or not you should be at work, but why does she need to see your scars?

Fleago

Hi razorbladekisses,

I'm sorry the situation at your work has taken a turn for the worse again; you must be finding it very stressful. I agree that it was crass of your manager to insist on seeing your arms, you must have found that a very difficult experience.

I agree with Savvy Sue, if she had concerns that you were recently self harming she should have raised them with HR, who should have raised it with OH. However, she did not, so what you have to deal with is the situation you now find yourself in. In my view, the questions your employer wants answered are not in themselves illegal, as they are genuine questions they wish to have answered about your fitness to carry out some of your duties. However, and again it's my opinion only, they should not be asking you to provide the answers from your Doctor.

Rather, I believe that they should be referring you to their OH physician so that they can seek advice from your medical people and then give answers to your employer based on their medical opinion, which will be informed by the report/s they have received from your medical people.

I know that you find the prospect of seeing another OH physician very daunting indeed, but I suggest you go back to your employer and say that you are not in a position to provide the information asked for, which should then lead to them referring you to OH. When you see the OH physician, it might help you to have written down what you want to say in response to your employers questions so that you don't get flustered or find your anxieties getting in the way of putting your thoughts and feelings across.

Also, and again my opinion only, I agree with Aly, your suspension should be on full pay as your GP and their last OH report say you are fit to work, but it is they who are questioning this and requiring you not to be at work until their questions are answered.

I know what I've suggested will not sit well with you, but I honestly think your best course of action is to allow them to go down the OH route. If you feel strongly that you want to take action regarding the manager's actions in insisting upon seeing your arms it might be useful for you to speak to HR on this issue as a separate matter, as you may, depending upon how you feel about it, want to raise a grievance. If you don't feel able to do that, or indeed in addition to speaking to HR, ringing ACAS as Savvy Sue suggests would be helpful to you too.

Good luck, razorbladekisses. Please keep us posted about how things are going for you.

Fleago

Sugar_Coated_Owl

Thanks everyone for the replies.

A lady from HR called me today asking how I was e.t.c They have arranged for me to see one of their appointed Doctor's tomorrow afternoon. I have also made a complaint re: my manager because of what she told other staff members. This is apparently going to be looked into. I chose the informal option.

I also have an appointment with one of the psych. team and my social worker tomorrow morning.

Savvy_Sue

razorbladekisses wrote: »

I have also made a complaint re: my manager because of what she told other staff members. This is apparently going to be looked into. I chose the informal option.

Can I just say that I think this is extremely gracious of you! Although probably the best route to go down if you're going back to work with this person.

I work for a small charity. We all tend to know each other's business. But this is ONLY because we share things when we want others to know them. And it's your RIGHT to keep your private life PRIVATE! Even if it affects your work, even if you've been suspended, even if ... words are beginning to fail me ...

TBH, I think that saying anything more than "RBK has been suspended and I'm sure you understand that I cannot say anything more than that" would be out of order, and I really hope she didn't go a lot further than that!

Savvy_Sue

PS hope your appointments go well tomorrow. Maybe - I don't know - this invasion of your privacy will work out well for you, in that if you don't have to hide it it will be less of an issue. I really hope that something good comes from it for you, at any rate.