School of Health & Wellbeing

MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences' Lynsay Matthews describes the sources of support she accessed when returning to work after a long period of sickness absence

I just wanted to share my experience of returning to work after long term sick leave.

I had a chronic illness which resulted in a major operation in 2020.

I was off work for most of the year and it was very daunting coming back to work after being off for so long. I know there are other people in the same boat, and probably worried about it, so I just wanted to share that I have been very well supported.

I had opportunities of support from my line manager, HR, several appointments with the Occupational Health Unit, and several sessions with the PAM Assist counselling service (a free and confidential service offered to all staff at University of Glasgow, contactable on 0800 882 4102). Each of these was really helpful. 

So if anyone else is in a similar position please know that there is great support here in Institute of Health and Wellbeing, and if anyone needs an ear drop me a message.  

Lynsay Matthews
Research Fellow
MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit

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First published: 21 September 2020