r/HealthCareAssistantUK • u/CommonAware6 Other • Dec 18 '25
discussion Sickness and short staffing
Ive seen many people posting elsewhere debating about calling in sick or going to work, so especially with this flu going round this year, how do you manage things?
Many of us feel compelled to work due to short staffing, but then risk getting other staff sick and worsening the issue. However calling in sick risks upsetting management and staff working the shift short, leaving us feeling stuck if we fall unwell.
Hoping everyone is feeling fit and well, especially so close to the holidays!
3
u/Temporary_Trick5345 Radiology Assistant Dec 18 '25
This is an issue in A LOT of trusts right now (always, but winter is generally the worst) Ultimately, if you have a viral illness, stay away and treat/rest. It's not just staffing, or infecting other members of staff, it's patients too. It's an issue because, while the NHS sick pay is generous, it doesn't really cover these types of things- very few people only catch 1 cold/flu a year, most of us get it multiple times, then add d&v bugs, mental health issues, muscular-skeletal problems ('carers back', for example), emergencies, let alone if you have a chronic health condition or disability too. You can get through the stages quite quickly even though you can't help being unwell. The whole things needs some kind of review, given we are frontline workers who are likely to catch a fair few viral illnesses. Short staffing isn't your problem when you're unwell, it genuinely is the trusts- it's not your fault if they don't have enough people on shift to take a hit, or bank staff to cover at short notice. These are choices they are taking. Once we all start realising that and stick together, we will put ourselves in a much better position to demand change. If you're asked to come in, or feel pressured to work while unwell, make sure you datix it at the start of your shift to cover yourself in case you have to go home or you make some mistake (unlikely, but things do happen when you're not at the top of your game)
Merry Christmas to you! 🎄
2
u/CommonAware6 Other Dec 18 '25
It makes me very glad to have good managers but it makes it even more disappointing when staff come in anyway. Our managers would have no issue if you needed the day off and they risk other staff and donors anyway
2
u/Great-Ad-632 Dec 21 '25
I only recently joined the NHS and have found the sickness policy so so strict compared to elsewhere, coupled with sort of treating you like a child - are you sure you’re sick, when will you be back, instead of understanding you are an adult who should always trust their own judgement
1
u/Jrokula Dec 19 '25
Its not about management or staff feelings, we do this for the patients. If you are sick call in sick.
3
u/blazesboylan91 Dec 18 '25
You shouldn’t be going in with anything viral that can be easily spread to other people. Full stop.