I’ve been diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma , Im waiting for lumpectomy then radiotherapy . I was asked to stay home from work because in my job as a health care assistant in a care home it’s impossible to social distance . My employer will not furlough me as if it wasn’t for Covid19 I would be working up until my surgery . So I’m on ssp . My husband is furloughed so not much money coming in .thats my moan for the day , hope everybody else is ok x
HI
Who was it who asked you to stay at home? Was it your employer? The reason I say this is because up until you have your lumpectomy (WLE), then you are no different from any other employee health wise.
If it wasn't your employer, but the hospital/doctor to protect against the chance of getting COVID-19 before your operation, then unfortunately it does appear that you employer would be correct to put you on SSP.. If it was your employer asking you to stay at home when you are capable of going in to work, then I would suggest that this would be because of COVID-19 and therefore you should be furloughed.
You are ER+ I suspect as they are talking lumpectomy, radiotherapy - so until the operation when you will also no doubt have the sentinel lymph nodes checked you really are as healthy as the next person! Sounds stupid I know because you have cancer, but your immune system isn't compromised until those lymph nodes are removed/ you've had an operation.
There is an Ask a Work Support Adviser section here, which you might want to get more clarity from in regards to whether you could be furloughed or signed off sick. As obviously I'm not an expert and don't know for definite - just my best guess!
In the meantime, moan all you like! that's what this forum's for - we're here to provide support.
Kindest wishes,
Hi
Shame... but I guess it makes sense that the hospital don't want to run the risk of you going in asymptomatic to COVID-19 and run the risk of bringing it into there with you. Might still be worth asking the expert - you never know, there might be something which we haven't thought about (ie asking you not to work due to COVID-19, rather than giving you a sick note could be a different ball game). They don't answer straight away, but nothing to lose by asking them is there?
Best wishes,
