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Frustrations from delay in medical certificate/Back to work

Chuckie
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Hello All

My wonderful dad passed away on Sunday from Lung Cancer. It was a shock as he went downhill very rapidly (DX a month ago,started chemo 2 weeks ago and appeared okay).

We have had to chase the hospital for an update on the medical certificate and they told us that as the doctor from the hospital is on holiday this could be delayed until they are back from their two week break.

Naturally this is frustrating as I only have one paid week off work and wanted to arrange everything we could however no medical certificate means we can't even book a day for the funeral.

From Monday any extra time I want will have to come out of my holiday entitlement which I do not want to use all up especially if nothing can be planned in that time. So I'm feeling down as I may have to go back and then take holiday later when we have all certificates.

Did anyone else come across this problem? How did you feel about going back to work with nothing in place?

  • Offline
    Oh nothing surprises me. My sister was dealing with mums papers and there were delays. Gosh it must be annoying if you have to try and arrange extra days off to deal with it. Where are instant communications and computers these days? Never mind - All will be good and things will move on
  • Offline in reply to brighteyes

    Oh Chuckie,
    How wonderful are you with having such a recent loss, choosing to offer support to others.  Good on you. Every positive comment helps.
    Kathy xx
     

  • Offline in reply to KathyS

    Thank you Kathy. My dad said that anything that could help people in his situation was worth doing (like taking extra tissue samples) so I think about carrying on the things he loved and his outlook is a great way to make him proud and keep his spirit living on. 

    You seem like a very active user in this community so thank you for putting the responses in even though it must be difficult re-living your experiences. Thank you for that :-) XX

  • Offline

    Hi Chuckie,

    Sorry to hear about your loss.

    I lost my Mum to cancer a few years ago and had a similar dilemma, which I resolved by getting my boss to agree to me taking the week in stages. Three days off, back to work until her body was released and a funeral date agreed, and then two days off for the funeral and wake. 

    More recently, I had a member of my staff who had the same problem. I didn't give her any advice but I did say that she looked grief-stricken, was naturally suffering from situational anxiety and might seriously think about seeing her GP. She took the hint and arranged to see her GP who gave her a sick note for two weeks sickness absence.

    I do hope that option is available to you.

     

    Best wishes
    Dave

     

  • Offline

    Hi Chuckie

    Sorry to hear about you loss.

    Not similar but when my Dad died last year his certificate etc was delayed because it had to go to the coroners.  We contacted a local funeral directors and they came out to see Mum and myself we sorted out what we wanted for the service and a notice in the paper and he said when you have the certificate get back to us and we can arrange everything with the minister and the crematorium.  He was also very helpful regarding what order we needed to do things (although the hospital had provided a booklet) This helped because it felt as if we had got things started.  You will need to split the time off as collecting the certificate and getting the death regestered will take some of your time time and then the funeral another day.  Also other things like sorting out bank accounts etc may mean appointments and you wont get this all done in the same week.

    I would also agree with davek regarding the GP.

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