Any NHS employees?? -need help please

[wannabubba#4]

Hi Ladies

Just wondering if anyone can help me out.

I have worked for the NHS for 18 years and am currently 22 weks pregnant. I have been off on pregnancy related sickness for the past 5 week, and now have been given another 4 week line. Realistically (bar a minor miracle) , I will not be returning to work prior to my baby being born. I have severe spd -am on crutches, taking regular analgesia and would not be able to carry out my duties safely or effectively and would be a liability to the whole team - I am a staff nurse in ICU.

Here's my question -Does anyone know when my maternity leave will start? Can they make me start maternity leave at 29weeks? Obviously if this is the case, then I'll have to deal with it but I'd rather have more time after my son is born. I am due to meet up with my manager and HR next week to hand in my MATB1 etc, but would really like any info before then to prepare for what's to come.

Thanks ladies, if anyone knows anything -greatly appreciated.

 

[Cham]

They can automatically start your maternity leave if you have a pregnancy related illness in your 4th week before your EDD. This isn't specific to the NHS, its legal.

 

[wannabubba#4]

They can automatically start your maternity leave if you have a pregnancy related illness in your 4th week before your EDD. This isn't specific to the NHS, its legal.

Thanks - I thought that too, but a few ppl have told me that they will make me take mat leave at 29 weeks- which I can understand but it seems so unfair. Believe me, if I could be at work I would be -and I dont want to miss out on 2 months of my babies development due to this sob sob

Thanks for your reply xx

 

[Cham]

No probs.

The 29 weeks is the earliest time you can start your maternity leave.

 

[loulou1983]

have you got any annual leave to use up????

 

[topazicatzbet]

this is from the maternity policy at my hospital, i presume it will be pretty much standard for all nhs hospitals.

3.3 Entitlement to Sick Pay
If you choose to work beyond the 29th week of your pregnancy and you are absent on account of sickness after the 36th week of pregnancy:
• If your doctor confirms that the sickness is NOT related to pregnancy, your absence will be treated as sick leave until the date that maternity leave commences

• Where the illness is attributable to the pregnancy, then your maternity leave will usually commence automatically on the day after the first day of absence