Employer checking hospital appointment!

Fleago

Yes, I see what you mean TigTag. Why the Manager didn't just have a sensible discussion with the OP about it and work out a suitable arrangement instead of resorting to underhand tactics goodness only knows!

Anyways, burnsguitarman, consensus seems to be your Manager hasn't gone about this the right way at all.

Hope your test goes ok!

Fleago

bestpud

Sounds to me like she was bluffing!

In any case, if you will be fit to go in for the afternoon, then why have you said you won't be? If they are paying you then they are entitled to question it aren't they? She should have discussed it with you upfront though - what she did shows poor management skills imo.

So I'm not condoning the way it was done, but that said, you have been evasive with them too. Your right of course, but many employers would wonder if you were hiding the procedure to obtain maximum time off.

Not having a go - just trying to point out how you boss may be looking at this.

inkie

But doesn't the OP state that they didn't pass on information of the procedure involved to the manager? So, the manager can't have asked about a procedure in a general sense, they must have mentioned the employees name, in order for the hospital to determine what procedure must be taking place. Therefore, as soon as the hospital enters into dialogue with about a specific patient they are in breech of the DPA. The manager is in the wrong for approaching the hospital also.
FYI you will be absolutely fine after for work after having the NG tube removed (i'm a nurse).

bestpud

inkie wrote: »

But doesn't the OP state that they didn't pass on information of the procedure involved to the manager? So, the manager can't have asked about a procedure in a general sense, they must have mentioned the employees name, in order for the hospital to determine what procedure must be taking place. Therefore, as soon as the hospital enters into dialogue with about a specific patient they are in breech of the DPA. The manager is in the wrong for approaching the hospital also.
FYI you will be absolutely fine after for work after having the NG tube removed (i'm a nurse).

Yes, that is the confusing bit.

I'm not convinced the manager wasn't just trying it on though - she possibly thought a five minute appt was unlikely to be for anything major and tried her luck.

Other than that, I wondered if any colleagues, or even the OP herself have inadvertantly given clues as to the procedure? Or, of the boss is aware of the symptoms/illness they may have been able to look up likely tests on the www. It wouldn't require that much searching - especially if the hospital or department gives a clue.

burnsguitarman

Thanks everyone for their views, I think the information given to my employer may have general, rather than about me personally, but given the fact that this isn't our local hospital, the details from my letter were obviously used for her enquiry to the department. And I envisage not feeling too well by next Wednesday because I am unable to take any medication to keep my condition in check, until after the procedure.

Luvly.cuppa.T

What if the appointment for return is 11am and it runs late? Come on we all know that NHS appointments rarely run to time.
It also has to be taken into consideration the time that it will take to travel back home, get changed, eat lunch etc.

There is also some possible psychological effect too. Some people feel violated by having something foreign in them, despite it's beneficial reasons and may need some time to get themselves into check again!

OP is being sensible in my opinion by taking the 2 days, as opposed to the day and a half off.

Manager is an a-hole. Really, would you want a member of staff in after having gone through something like that? And what is half a day to them anyway? Sounds like they have nothing better to do , but to make grudges and just be down right petty.

Don't back down on this!! Medication being disrupted is a good call. Add all the other info too and they won't be able to make you work.

mini_huny_money

There is no way a manager should ever ring a hospital/ doctors surgery. If the OP takes in the appointment card that should be sufficient. Any managers/team leaders reading this ........and even thinks of phoning a hospital/drs surgery to check up on an employee should be ashamed of themselves. Ok some people take the p... thats always gonnae happen .....would they ring the undertakers to check if someones granny had died......am absolutely shocked.....and even more shocked that any NHS employee would give out any information

Oldernotwiser

Surely the most important point has been missed here (unless it's me). OP said s/he applied for PAID leave. I can't really see why there was any reason to get into hospital information at all. If you're taking paid leave, surely it can be for a hospital appointment,granny's funeral or a couple of days at the seaside. The reason for taking it is nothing to do with the employer; you either have the leave available to you or you don't.

burnsguitarman

Sorry for the delay in more info, had trouble posting earlier. Anyway, when my manager phoned me she stated that I had left out information, what I omitted was about my medication, not having anything to eat etc, and that I would not be sedated so I will be able to drive and be left alone. Nothing there which I thought I needed to pass on to her. I was told that as my second appointment was for between 9-11am (I won't be told an exact time until after my first visit) and would only last 5 mins, I would be out of hospital for 12 at the latest, and be home for 1pm, so I should be available for 2.15pm. In making these comments she has made a number of assumptions which she did not bother to check with me. 1. That I will be out of hospital for 12 ( Has I don't have a time for return visit yet, and although the removal procedure may only take 5 mins, I expect to there for at least an hour waiting etc, this is the NHS and without it being a slur on them delays often happen. 2. That I can be home in an hour (she hasn't checked how I will be travelling hopefully I will drive myself, but if I need public transport this will involve 3 buses and at least 2 hours. 3. Most importantly. How I will be feeling. (By Wednesday I will not have had any medication for 9 days, by which time I envisage suffering very badly with reflux and heartburn. added to the fact that I have just had an albeit minor procedure, I am not happy of having the added stress of worrying about rushing back for 2.15) Given these facts I think it would be reasonable of her to grant the extra 1/2 day that I need. I am still very angry that she chose to contact the hospital, and have decided to write a formal letter of complaint. On A lighter note I am Mrs burnsguitarman, I pinched my oh's log in name because I haven't any imagination lol!

asea

Do you have a HR Department you could take this up with?