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Medical Certs and returning to work

  • 05-03-2014 5:11pm
    #1
    buffalo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,138 ✭✭✭


    I'm hoping someone in here can clarify this for me. Recently had some surgery, and on my discharge asked the nurse for a note for work. The nurse asked for how long I wanted it, and I reckoned a week would be a sufficient recovery period. She went out to the doctor, and came back with a note in an envelope. I felt fine after a week and went back to work. Only after I went in did I open the envelope and notice the cert was for two weeks.

    Now, the crux of the matter. I've heard several suggestions that one is not legally allowed return to work while a medical cert is still valid, or that one is not insured, or some variation. Can anyone clarify this, or would it depend on my employer's insurance policy?

    I'd prefer to avoid "I heard..." or "my friend says..." posts, and get the facts straight. :) Thanks in advance!


Comments

  • #2
    RobFowl
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 11,669 Mod ✭✭✭✭RobFowl


    It depends on the employer. Some insist on a cert specifying the date you are fit to return, some are more flexible. If there is an issue you could simply ask the hospital/consultant/ward to do another cert (most GP's would do it).
    All depends on the type of surgery and from the sounds of it I suspect it was a relatively minor issue.


  • #3
    buffalo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,138 ✭✭✭buffalo


    RobFowl wrote: »
    It depends on the employer. Some insist on a cert specifying the date you are fit to return, some are more flexible. If there is an issue you could simply ask the hospital/consultant/ward to do another cert (most GP's would do it).
    All depends on the type of surgery and from the sounds of it I suspect it was a relatively minor issue.

    Thanks doc - there's been no fuss from the employers, just hints from others that I shouldn't be in. Can't seem to find any credible support for the "you must stay out of work while your sick note applies" theory though.


  • #4
    Vorsprung
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,816 ✭✭✭Vorsprung


    If you're driving, sick notes can be a bit more important if you've had heart trouble or a seizure, after which you might be told that you can't drive for one to six months. The RSA has a document they sent out in the last year or so outlines the time periods, and while I'm not sure if they're the law per se, I'm pretty sure your insurance won't cover you if you're on the road after being told not to be.


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