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I need advice to return to work

Paulon July 19, 2017

2 Comments

I suffered a bilateral Medullary CVA in August 2012. I was a bank manager and returned to work, against medical advice, and without the banks support, in January 2013.

I lasted 6 months before my GP pulled me out of work and my employer sent me for medical assessments to determine my fitness to return to work. I failed the assessment and was fired.

I use a cain to walk, have spasticity in my right hamstrings and quads. Physiotherapists, GP's, Rehabilitation Specialists and Neurologists all agree I can return to work.

I am completing an MBA, and have worked in the finance industry for 25 years.

I need help to get back into the workforce with an employer who is a "disability advocate".

Would you please tell me where I can start?

My previous bank were concerned the cane would "scare customers off" and that I also may have a "spac attack" in front of staff and customers. My RGM's words, not mine.

Regards

Paul

2 Responses

Nina Wilde

19/07/2017 10:56

Hi Paul

Firstly I am so sorry that you have needed to endure those very hurtful comments by your previous work colleagues after a life threatening event. Very unprofessional and unhelpful for you as you have attempted to reenter the workforce. Even if it was not the right time for you to do this.

Yes finding a workplace who will embrace your skills from your previous work and support you, that is the key.

I would suggest to call Strokeline on 1800787653 and talk to them as a start.

There is a Facebook Site - Return to Work After Stroke.

Good luck and keep persisting with your goal to return to work.

Sue Bowden

Fellow Stroke Survivor

StrokeLine

20/07/2017 05:24

Hi Paul,

I’m sorry to hear you’ve had such a negative experience returning to work – it sounds like it was a very difficult situation to be in.

At this point I’d suggest you first get in touch with Job Access (phone 1800 464 800) - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/

If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice (https://www.fairwork.gov.au/).

For specific legal advice, you could contact the Australian Centre for Disability Law – they are based in NSW:

https://www.humanrights.gov.au/disability-rights-disability-legal-services

You may have already come across our fact sheet about returning to work – it has some great information that may be useful for you:

https://strokefoundation.org.au/About-Stroke/Help-after-stroke/Stroke-resources-and-fact-sheets/Returning-to-work-after-stroke-fact-sheet

As Sue mentioned above, you can certainly contact us on StrokeLine to speak with our health professionals - StrokeLine is available 9am to 5pm Eastern Standard Time on 1800 787 653 or strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au.

Best wishes,

Katherine (StrokeLine)

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I need advice to return to work

Paulon July 19, 2017

2 Comments

I suffered a bilateral Medullary CVA in August 2012. I was a bank manager and returned to work, against medical advice, and without the banks support, in January 2013.

I lasted 6 months before my GP pulled me out of work and my employer sent me for medical assessments to determine my fitness to return to work. I failed the assessment and was fired.

I use a cain to walk, have spasticity in my right hamstrings and quads. Physiotherapists, GP's, Rehabilitation Specialists and Neurologists all agree I can return to work.

I am completing an MBA, and have worked in the finance industry for 25 years.

I need help to get back into the workforce with an employer who is a "disability advocate".

Would you please tell me where I can start?

My previous bank were concerned the cane would "scare customers off" and that I also may have a "spac attack" in front of staff and customers. My RGM's words, not mine.

Regards

Paul

2 Responses

Nina Wilde

19/07/2017 10:56

Hi Paul

Yes finding a workplace who will embrace your skills from your previous work and support you, that is the key.

I would suggest to call Strokeline on 1800787653 and talk to them as a start.

There is a Facebook Site - Return to Work After Stroke.

Good luck and keep persisting with your goal to return to work.

Sue Bowden

Fellow Stroke Survivor

StrokeLine

20/07/2017 05:24

Hi Paul,

I’m sorry to hear you’ve had such a negative experience returning to work – it sounds like it was a very difficult situation to be in.

At this point I’d suggest you first get in touch with Job Access (phone 1800 464 800) - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/

If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice (https://www.fairwork.gov.au/).

For specific legal advice, you could contact the Australian Centre for Disability Law – they are based in NSW:

https://www.humanrights.gov.au/disability-rights-disability-legal-services

You may have already come across our fact sheet about returning to work – it has some great information that may be useful for you:

https://strokefoundation.org.au/About-Stroke/Help-after-stroke/Stroke-resources-and-fact-sheets/Returning-to-work-after-stroke-fact-sheet

Best wishes,

Katherine (StrokeLine)

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