NICS Welfare department

I would speak to the Macmillan team. Sure there are laws around this as we are technically disabled when diagnosed with cancer. Work have to make adequate adjustments. I am very lucky my work have been super supportive and there are no expectations while I am going through treatment. I work what I can and if I can't I can't. It's also documented that I have to work from home. 

I was trying to say that to welfare but I think she just wants rid!!  I am meeting MacMillan on Wednesday so will discuss it with them.   I am just feeling so low and emotionally all over the place.  Thank you. 

Hi I'm so sorry I hope Occupational health make a good case for you for ill health early retirement. You don't need HR bothering you, have you spoken to your Union

You need support not this, it takes time to heal adjust to our new you and with all the joint pains etc

Keep strong cancer can happen to anyone

Best wishes xx

Hi I had a mastectomy and reconstruction in November. Lymph nodes also removed. Then taken back to theatre the next day to reopen to clear a large hematoma. NICS welfare also phoned me every 6 weeks. Same questions as you and also advised I go for a walk!

I was told that departmental HR did not contact me because I was off with cancer. If you ever suffer from cancer you are classed as disabled. 

As my cancer was oestrogen positive I had to stop my HRT and the menopause symptoms are back with a vengeance. I decided not to take the Anastrazole that was offered. My own personal choice.

• I returned to work in March as I thought I had to. I am still very sore at my armpit and at the top of my reconstructed breast. My confidence has gone and my anxiety is really bad. Night sweats and hot flushes drain me and I cannot sleep. My reconstructed breast feels and looks funny and I have no nipple. I think my male bosses dont really understand the impact this has had on me and I am not sure I can cope with work. Feeling drained.

I would really appreciate if you could keep me updated on how your case is treated by OHS. I have worked for 31 years and have an excellent sick record. 

I hope you get the outcome you would like and take your time to heal emotionally and physically x

Hi, I have 34 years service.  Welfare phoned me again at 5.35 tonight to give me my retirement figures.  They are really pushing this.  I spoke with MacMillan today and they said cancer is a disability and we are covered with legislation.  She said to chat with the Equality Commission or Labour Relations if you’re not happy.  I’m sorry you’re being hassled too.  I’ve also been advised today to contact my gp for medication to help with my anxiety.  This is bringing back how I was treated 18 months ago. With how you have described how you feel I wouldn’t be in work!  You’re only a number and I know I definately couldn’t cope.  If I don’t lose this stream I will let you know.  Please feel free to contact me however it will be September before I get to see OHS.  I haven’t even seen the Oncologist since he gave me my treatment plan so he’s not even in a position to report on me.  It’s rediculous I’m 8 months down the road and they want me out.  

Just thinking.  Speak to your GP.  Tell him/her how you feel and what’s happening re work.  I know MacMillan were appalled today but did say people (including women) unless they’ve been through it.  I feel exactly like you.  

Hi, you wanted me to let you know the outcome of OHS assessment and ill health retirement outcome.  I didn’t meet the criteria for ill health retirement.  I am unfit for work now but will be fit enough to work within the next 5 years (retirement age).  One week later (last week) I was asked for a review which I am unfit to attend so I have submitted  a written statement.  They asked if there were ay adjustments that could be made to aid my return even though the OHS doctor said I’m unfit.  Then on Friday past welfare were on wanting an update! It’s not one year from my two surgeries or treatment and welfare have told me HR Connect and the statement I have given is probably them going down the inefficiency route.   Welfare will ring again in six weeks!!!

Hi. Thank you for getting back to me and I am sorry to hear that you are being treated like this. Unless you have actually been through this journey people dont seem to understand at all. It is life changing and has a huge impact on you physically and emotionally. I know that my confidence is really low now and I just feel tired all the time. 

They havent even given you long enough to recover. 

Ridiculous!!Just goes to show that you were right when u stated we are all just a number in NICS no matter how many years service!!

How can any reaaonable adjustment help you return if the qualified doctor says you shouldnt be in work??

Welfare are useless and in my opinion just add more grief and hassle to the whole situation

I hope you find a way forward x

That is shocking.  What an awful way to treat anyone let alone a long service member of their company!  It’s so hard when you have so much to cope with outside of this issue but try not to be pushed into anything.  Is there a union who can help you?  Or can you get legal advice or assistance?  It makes me so cross.  I know some of us who have been signed off for almost two years.  Keep in touch x

Does NICS stand for the Northern Ireland Civil Service? If so, then I'm not surprised, as they have a lousy track record when it comes to staff welfare (going back to the 1980s).