Dom asked me to postpone my sickness for 3 days

whisperlite6 · Post by **whisperlite6** » 08 Jul 2016, 14:46

Hi All I have been a postie for over 10 years and very rarely have time off. Last time was March with a severe flu exacerbated by exhaustion from work. Before that it was about 2 years ago when I fell and resprained an old work injury.

However, since Janurary I have suffered from an ingrown toenail with on off infections to boot. Up to now I have not taken any time off but three weeks ago saw dr after work and was prescibed antibiotics and told to rest foot and keep it dry etc. Ufortunately I ignored te latter two bits asour office already has 6 off sick.
Toe did not heal completely so last Wed thinking I was being proactive I approached my DOM to inform him that I was going to call in sick (Thurs) to sort my toe out.
Twice he asked me to defer the sickness until Monday "if you've managed up till now for so long then three more days won't matter"
On both occaisions I told him that my foot health had to come first and that if I didn't fix it it could get worse. At this point he made it clear that he thought I was faking and just fancied some time off.
On Thursday when I phoned in sick explaining I was planning to phone the drs he said that he needed a sick note and that I should come in on light duties.
When I did try dr's the earliest appointment avail is Mon 9.30.
Phoned back Dom to tell him about appoint and that I was self cert until then as advised by both Dr's and HR.
His response was that if I didn't have an appoint til Mon that I could come into work on light duies in locker (no yorks so could wear open sandal on poorly foot)
I queried that if I came in on Thurs and then was off again on Fri or even Monday for appoint wouldn't this trigger two absences. At this point I also aked for uni rep no.
My Uni rep reitterated that I can self cert for 7 days and advised trying to get an emergency appoint but if I did want to come back he and H&S rep would do a risk assessment incase not feasible.
No emergency Dr appoint but was able to talk to Dr who prescibed more antibiotics and pesribed complete rest til Mon.
Phoned back Dom to update him and told him I was deff self certing for 7 days but wld obvioulsy be intouch after Dr's appoint.
This moring Fri I received the standars Initial cotact letter.

I don't expext to have to take off much time just enough to get foot back to normal. Is it worth keeping a diary about what's happened so far and do I need to do anything else. Dom also mentioned getting atos? acos? involved what is this? He mentioned this on Thurs morning and said they work on getting people back to work. Surely until I see Dr in person then even I won't know what happens next.
Sorry for the essay but I've tried to include all the facts but feel free if any ques.
Cheers for readng any advice is appreciated and I apologise for any spelling mistakes.

rehabron · Post by **rehabron** » 08 Jul 2016, 18:10

Firstly the contact letter is standard and is the 2 day notification for maintain contact as per the attendance agreement. A self - certificate covers you for 7 days absence which you have completed and thereafter a GP fit note is required which will state after your appointment on Monday if you are unfit to resume normal duties or an adjustment has to be made to accommodate your medical condition. RM does not have to accept your GP " fit note" and with your consent can get you referred to OH Assist who are their appointed occupational health providers for their assistance to your condition. You will find that it is OH Assist practice to assess your condition by telephone but if you provide them with the reason for your absence and the type of work that you carry out then you can find them to be quite understanding. So many first line managers in RM suddenly become experts in diagnosing medical conditions which is best left to the experts. You advised your dom that you would be off work until your foot has recovered and that is the nuts and bolts of the situation and any prompting from your DOM to the contrary is totally unprofessional. After your GP appointment on Monday what the decision is and if your absence is extended then stay in contact with DOM and I would agree to being referred to OH Assist.

rubberbond · Post by **rubberbond** » 08 Jul 2016, 20:57

Wouldn't you be better off seeing a chiropodist/podiatrist ,as they are experts in foot health and would ,in all likelihood be able to treat your ingrown toe nail. I know you have to pay,but what price foot health?

Post by **spiderj** » 08 Jul 2016, 23:14

Podiatrist for toenails mate,not gp,antibiotics kill infection but it'll return ,get it sorted by Podiatry -either partial or full avulsion

k979aaa · Post by **k979aaa** » 09 Jul 2016, 18:46

So your DOM is a qualified DOCTOR now I am sure he has your health and well being as his/her number one priority not. Anyway these bugger's don't care if your foot get's amputated as long as they don't have to do ANY WORK! just get a sick note stop bending over backward's for them after all they have accused you of lying! You can self certify for 7 days after which you will need a DOCTOR'S note not a DOM note saying you can work just ask for their medical credentials if they wave some fake crap at you report them to the police for harassment or impersonating a doctor!

whisperlite6 · Post by **whisperlite6** » 11 Jul 2016, 12:31

Cheers every one for your kind and practical advice.
Dr took one look at toe and signed me off sick until 18th even before asking what my job was. It was the standard unfit to work note back dated to 7th.
She also referred me to the pedicurist so that in the long term my toenail shouldn't be a long term problem.
When I took sicknote into work for the line manager (DOM's day off) I was advised that it will be referred to the OH in case I can come back into work before 18th on suitable light duties i.e. indoor work.
At this point I reminded him that I had a sick note and my main priority is to heal my toe first. I also said that I don't mind being referred as I've got nothing to hide but would also have to wear a sandal so H&S rep might need to be involved too.
For now its back to the salt bath.
Cheers again.

meercat · Post by **meercat** » 19 Jul 2016, 21:32

I know a guy who had to have his toe off due to this very reason - not allowing time for correct healing. This could potentially end your delivery career it is that serious with repeat infections. You could even lose your lower leg. Don't mess around with deep infections. Stay off work, even light duties will tire you out, so stay at home, sleep lots, drink plenty fluids, eat well not rubbish.