Problamtic Staff

[Phil Dicky]

Its a question for all the doctors out there really, so here goes.
I have a member of staff now on long term sick with a disc prolapse. Now can some one enlighten me as to what the long term affects are of this problem. If he has surgery will he be back to normal and if he gets back can he carry on his usual duties ie carrying heavy stock up stairs and sitting on his ar5s all day drinking tea.

[dave_s13]

I'm not a doctor (my mums a nurse though) but I'd say that unless his back heals fully before doing any kind of lifting then he's gonna be useless as a hod carrier.

Obviously this could take a very long time.

Was his injury sustained at work?

[nubbin]

This is a minefield, and possibly the bit of employment law most likely to see an employer in front of a tribunal. It's not the medical condition that presents a problem, it's trying to establish beyond doubt that the employee cannot do the job they are engaged for.

Write to the consultant involved for a medical report, interview the employee, get a report from his G.P., and/or get a report from an Occupational Health service.

I am no expert on employment law, but I'm sure some PH'ers are.

There is no guarantee that surgery will cure the problem, or even bring about any relief of symptoms. Back problems tend to be recurrent, and removing the disc prolapse cannot guarantee cure in a structure as complex as the spine. (try holding a bicycle chain at the bottom, and making it stand up, that's the human spine for ya!)

I would strongly recommend getting expert reports, as I mentioned, asking for prognosis (what's likely to be the outcome).

>> Edited by nubbin on Thursday 20th February 09:24

[dave_s13]

Aslo bear in mind yer man will be at home watching low budget Sky TV channels, packed to the rafters with personal injury claims adverts, you need some professional advice methinks.

[Phil Dicky]

Thanks for all the above, I'm lucky in the fact that his injury is not work related but football. But paying SSP for a long time is not ideal so I need to know my options.
Writing to GP etc seems the best option then I'll see what happens from there.