Hi, my name is Lollie123! ill health pension advice needed.

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.

durhamjaide2001

hi and welcome to the forum first off to congratulations you on being a nurse within the NHS. I'm sorry to hear that you have had the accident. I'm not an expert in pensions so wouldn't like to advise just in case I get it wrong.

The other things that I would recommend on this forum is the coffee lounge for a general chat or the games den for some fun.

Kimi87

This link should show all organisations in your local area that can help:

https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/

durhamjaide2001

thanks for sharing the link Kim

Albus_Scope

Heya @Lollie123 and a warm welcome to the comunity.

I'm so sorry to hear about the issues you've been having, but I'm glad to see Kimi has given you a link that could hopefully help things along.