I went back to my volunteering role at the local hospice and felt very safe. There was hand sanitiser as you arrived and if you did not have your own mask they were there too. Lots of things in place, e.g clear Perspex screens between desks and also between those desks facing each other. Alcohol wipes to wipe down your desk, keyboard and chair at start and end of the day. Only one person in the lift at a time, no access through in patient unit except for staff working there. If staying for lunch all tables only have one person although room is not huge so could still talk to others without shouting. Obviously they have vulnerable people but felt they were doing everything possible.
3 Likes
It sounds like they have put so many measures in place which is great! 
1 Like
Gosh, @Joan, your hospice certainly has thought issues through and really put safe measures in place. I am impressed and it would make me feel proud to volunteer for them and valued, thank you for letting us know. How did you feel before going back there?
2 Likes
As staff had kept in touch with me I felt very sure about returning. Apart from monthly newsletters I also had a monthly phone call from staff so felt reassured. They also sent me the procedures required as I returned so it all felt very organised.
3 Likes
I’ve now confirmed with my employers that I will return to work in the building on Thursday. I’m happy to do so as I think they’ve made the environment safe and taken things seriously. They gave me the choice though. I also said if circumstances changed such as getting bad news from my blood test results or shielding restarting then we could review my returning to work assessment.
2 Likes
That’s really great. I’m kind of looking forward to going back as well. Let us know how you get on
2 Likes
When do you get your blood test results?
1 Like
I was looking forward to going back on Mon until a staff member who went on holiday was allowed by management to be at work on the shop floor, they tried to keep it quiet , ive reported them they have tried to guilt trip me for there selfish actions . Im so upset and anxious
1 Like
@Kittencatb, a great big welcome to our forum, I am sorry you are feeling so upset and anxious, especially as you were looking forward to going back to work on Monday.
We are here for you to be able to share exactly what is going o for you and if you need to talk you can contact the wonderful Blood Cancer UK Support Services Team on 0808 2080 888 10am-7pm Monday-Friday and 10am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday or via email at support@bloodcancer.org.uk. Take care and please update us on what is going on for you.
1 Like
Hi @Kittencatb and welcome to the group. In really feel for you. Had the same conversation about my daughters school friend who will be going back to schoolwork should be isolating. I will be contacting the school! It’s a very worrying time isn’t it and not the experience you wanted when returning to work. As @Erica said, the support line are so helpful if you need to talk things through. What is it that you do?
3 Likes
My area manager is investigating it, i feel really let down 
2 Likes
Let us know how you get on.
2 Likes
Hi @Kittencatb I’m so sorry you’re feeling so let down by your workplace, though it is so understandable why you’re feeling this way. It’s really good to hear that you voiced your concerns and that they’re going to look into it. Do let us know how you get on.
How have you been doing over the past few months?
Really glad you found this forum and I hope you find it of some support to you.
3 Likes
Hi Alice its been very up and down ive been on my own my son went to live with his dad when he returned from uni, as he was a key worker we both found it very hard i also suffer with depression and anxiety. To keep my mind busy i did the garden then decorated the whole house. Ive got a meeting with the area manager on Thursday, ive been very anxious as staff members i thought where friends tried to cover it up. Im really scared i don’t even want to go back at all know, i feel anxious enough for my safety, ans im also going to feel awkward as i reported all involved .xx
2 Likes
It’s so hard @Kittencatb and you definitely did the right thing. However, I can imagine this has made you really anxious about going back, especially if you feel uncomfortable. When are you due to return?
2 Likes
Hi @Kittencatb, it must be so much harder to get through these Covid times if you also have depression and anxiety.
I am so impressed with what you have achieved during lockdown with doing your garden and decorating your whole house. It sounds as if you know yourself well and what you need to do to keep your mind busy in the short term.
You also show us what very hard sacrifices families have had to make to keep each other safe in lockdown.
You say that you have a meeting with your area manager on Thursday, do you feel prepared for it? I say that because I have to write what I need to say, my questions, thoughts, feelings and practicalities.
You say you were really looking forward to going back to work, so perhaps you want to continue working there, it is just the practicalities and your interactions with staff. If people do not have blood cancer they do not realise the situation we are in and perhaps it is up to us to educate them.
Perhaps it is OK to say that you feel anxious about your safety and seeing the staff again.
You can always contact the wonderful Blood Cancer UK Support Services Team on 0808 2080 888 10am-7pm Monday-Friday and 10am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday or via email at support@bloodcancer.org.uk to talk to someone.
Take care and please let us know how you get on Thursday.
3 Likes
Hi thanks for your support and advice. After emailing the Head i had a return to work risk assessment and it went well. I was then back at work enjoying all the challenges of always wearing a mask /social distance in my bubble. However, I now off sick with a infected foot on strong antibotics but aware healing might take longer owning to having CLL .School were understanding as staff/pupils are going off to check for Covid.
2 Likes
Hi @Telephonie, I am glad your risk assessment went well and you actually got back to work. I hope your infected foot is a temporary set back, please let us know how you get on.
1 Like
I’m glad the school put lots in place to support you. The unions are so hot on this at the moment. Wishing you well very soon X
2 Likes
Hi Just wanted to give an up date I went off last Wednesday afternoon with infected foot which is healing and was looking forward to going back to work However, found out last Monday my school is now closed for two weeks staff member within my bubble have Covid. School will be open again 28/9 but can see it happening again as school in hight risk area. Concerning time for all who work in schools, and high risk
2 Likes