doctors sick note help req

fender62

i have been in the same council job for 20 odd years,, for some six months iv been having prostate and bladder problems, i thought would go away by itself erm i hasn't, so iv recently been taking medication that doctor thought was the problem, it has not worked and the problem is getting worse, im going to see the doctor again, i basically cannot do the job mentally or physically anymore, i do not want to quit or be dismissed as incapable, as i see that coming.

how do i go on the sick (hate that phrase) as iv never gone on the sick once in 20 odd yrs, except for two days when my dad passed away, a few weeks or more to see how and if my health improves after cystoscopy or mri result, it's getting to the point im forgetting critical things in work, as iv been told, stress pain worry...i just need some time, how long ? how do i go about it, some detail would be greatly appreciated.

Beeblebr0x

I would simply make an appointment to see your GP and explain how you feel mentally and also what symptoms you're having now. In my case I was signed off for three weeks as I was basically sleeping in my clothes in an armchair unable to think of much else. Two days' sick in twenty years must count for something with your employer and is far better than my sick record, which was pretty good.

As a prostate cancer survivor, I'd urge you to get your PSA checked via a simple blood test. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, or you are a man of colour, you can demand a test if you're over 45, otherwise 50 is generally the norm. Ultimately you need to know one way or the other, so do not be fobbed off by your GP telling you the test is unreliable, as mine did.

Prostate cancer survival rates are some of the best for men who are diagnosed early. 

I hope this helps.

mlz1413

Definitely go to your doctor and tell them would you have said here.  They are likely to sign you off sick.

If/when you get the sick note phone your manager and explain your doctor has signed you off and ask what you need to do.

They may ask you to send the sick note in, thus could be a photo via a message or getting a friend/ partner) to take in the original.  (I'd recommend taking a photo for your own records).

The sick pay you receive will depend on your employers policy.  You can ask your manager to email you a copy (or hand a print out over if someone can collect).

I hope you get the right treatment and feel better soon. 

fatbelly

Your council is likely to pay contractual sick pay. Having worked there 20 years, it should be generous.

Your gp is your first port of call. You are looking for what I think these days is called a fit note

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-fit-note-a-guide-for-patients-and-employees/the-fit-note-guidance-for-patients-and-employees

TELLIT01

Unless things have changed since I retired from a public sector job, having only 2 days sick in 20 years will count for nothing.  The manager will simply go by the book (literally) and act as demanded by 'the rules'.

lincroft1710

TELLIT01 said:

Unless things have changed since I retired from a public sector job, having only 2 days sick in 20 years will count for nothing.  The manager will simply go by the book (literally) and act as demanded by 'the rules'.

I agree. The public sector have rules and tend to rigidly stick by them. 


To the OP.  As you are already aware that you are not capable of carrying out your duties, do be aware that a MRI scan or a cystoscopy in themselves will not lead to any improvement in your condition, they will just show what the problem is.


Until you know exactly what is wrong and what treatment is prescribed, it is pointless speculating how long before you are able to return to work

fender62

so do i ask for a week off then after the week go to the doctor and ask for a fit note, or can i just go to the doctor and ask for fit not without having the the week of first

marcia_

fender62 said:

so do i ask for a week off then after the week go to the doctor and ask for a fit note, or can i just go to the doctor and ask for fit not without having the the week of first

 You can go to the GP and request the fit note immediately without asking for a week off. 

fender62

thanks for that...relief off my mind

Ratkin007

You don't ask for the week of, you tell them that you are not going into work because you are sick.  

It is your choice whether you phone up and tell them you are not going to work (self-certificate for 7 days), following which, you can provide the fit note, or just go straight to fit note.

When you phone up you speak to your manager or another manager, who will ask questions about your sickness and when you expect to return. You tell them how much you want to tell them. They will probably also ask if you will be seeing your GP or you can let them know you intend to see your GP.  Do not feel that you have to return after the initial 7 days or after the first fit note expires.  You just keep submitting fit notes until the last one which confirms you are ready to return to work.  However, from what you have said, there is no knowing how long you will need to take.  And one of the beauties of working for a local authority is that with such long service, you will get 6 months full pay, followed by 6 months half pay (obviously depending on how long you take).  Yes some people take the micky with sickness but then there are people that return to work before they are ready to do so, because they cannot afford to take the time off.  

fender62

could i take the fit note to the line manager, id rather that as i have a few things id like to say.