Hi, my name is Lollie123!

Lollie123

Hi I'm looking for some sound advice. I was a Nurse working within the NHS.

Hi good afternoon

I am kindly looking for some well needed advice.

In February 2021 I required surgery on my spine, due to what the consultant described as a work related disc prolapse. I was signed off work for three months, then went back after my time on a phased return. Unfortunately after my phased return, my symptoms of back pain progressively got worse and it was agreed to drop my hours. By mid 2023 I was working 1 shift a week, with some bank when I felt capable. However by October 2023 my back pain progressively became worse ending in 2 further surgeries and left foot drop. I was also having c spine pain and Neuropathy in my arms, which the consultant said we would just monitor.

I resigned from work to recover and was wheelchair bound for a period of time, then managed to get back to walking aids, and get a part time zero contract hours job as a Bank nurse.

My manager never informed me at the time I was entitled to apply for ill health pension or the process.

Unfortunately my health started to deteriorate again and being able to complete any type of work task was becoming impossible. I wasn't aware of the Ill health pension at this time, until someone mentioned it to me. So I contacted NHS pensions who'm informed me to contact my employer and ask for the forms to start the process. I contacted the Agency I work for on behalf of the trust and the Trust HR, but I was either ignored, told I had the wrong HR email and they didn't know the correct email or a promise of a call back, that never happened.

Fast forward November 2024, I was taken to hospital with a suspected stroke. After multiple MRI's and tests, they discovered I have MS, originally thought to be Multi Level Degenerative Disc Disease. Since then my health has deteriorated and it is now affecting not just my spine, but cognition and ability to process information.

I have attempted various avenues to attempt to access my NHS pension, but become frustrated due to my illness. I am now again using a wheelchair.

I have contacted Citizens Advice, as advised by my local MS nurse, is their any other avenues I can explore? I feel I not only require help with accessing my pension, but also form filling and contacts.

The whole process is just upsetting and frustrating.

Thank you to anyone reading and apologies if some of my information isn't clear.