Whatever our views are i suspect that this is actually an HR issue - they are the ones that determine whether someone gets paid on not - all we can do is comment on the clinical issues. Many good points well made about sporting injuries and lifestyle issues and I dare say that this will come up and some time in the future, at least in the public sector. I really like the notion of "tall poppy syndrome" and will include that in a meeting I am going to later (thanks!) as it sums up my lengthy opinion in a few short words!

From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sue Mann (JIC)
Sent: 20 May 2010 08:16
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] "cosmetic" surgery

I agree with you Diane. Having been a plastic surgery nurse (NHS) in the past, most of patients having surgery have terrible psychological issues which have a massive impact on their daily lives.  So In my mind having plastic surgery for whatever the reason is no different to having a new knee or hip or hernia repair!  Also ‘cosmetic’ surgery is not carried out on the NHS, not in this Trust anyway!!

 

Sue

 

From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Diane Romano-Woodward
Sent: 20 May 2010 08:02
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [OCC-HEALTH] "cosmetic" surgery

 

Dear List
 
Prepare for a rant...
 
I have had plastic surgery , it was on the NHS.(well the registrars have to practice on someone in order to become  consultants)
I booked annual leave to have it done, and then, it being the NHS, it was cancelled. As cover had already been arranged I was left twiddling my thumbs on annual leave.
 
Tell me , what is the difference, really, between someone who injures their leg playing football and has two weeks off and someone who has plastic surgery and has two weeks off.
Nothing as far as I can see. The employee is  not able to do their job, and the employer is without a worker for two weeks. Both have health issues which require time to heal.
Do we penalise those who take part in sport because they put their health at risk and may be absent?
What about the smokers with asthma who get chest infections, are they not making choices which will contribute to sickness absence?
 
Are not the existing policies for absence management adequate? If an employee has excessive sickness absence for any reason, can the not be "managed"? If someone has two weeks off in 3 years because they have plastic surgery and no other absence, is it an issue? 
 
End of rant .
 
I will now brace myself for surrepticious glances whenever I meet you all, as you try and figure out which bit has been altered!
Nearly the weekend...
Diane
 

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