NHS pension ill health

scz456 · March 11

Hi, I’m new to scope and wondered if anyone can advise or has been in a similar situation.

I’m a registered nurse on the NHS. I have history of anxiety and depression - treated with medication by GP. I also suffer from increasing, constant lower back pain. MRI in 2022 showed numerous things going on in my spine, such as facet joint degeneration, nerve impingement and some bulging discs - and other stuff. I’ve had steroid injections and nerve ablation - with very little to no success.

I have had this pain approx 10 years but the last 3 years constantly.

The back pain coupled with my mental health condition and recent diagnosis of ADHD (think I always knew something wasn’t quite right) I feel I cannot continue in employment. My meltdowns and time off work from being sick, are increasing (im currently off sick) I’m exhausted and burnt out and tired of trying to mask my ADHD anymore - I do t think a word exists for how tired I am.

I’m going to go down the retirement on ill health route - is anyone able to offer any advice? I’m 51 burnt out and can’t give anymore.

Thank you.

Kimi87 · March 11

Some advice given here:

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/129401/applying-for-ill-health-what-do-i-include-on-the-form

luvpink · March 11

@scz456

I took early ill health retirement from the NHS fourteen years ago.

It wasn't an easy process.

The occupational health Doctor has to agree that all reasonable adjustments have been tried and failed and therefor you are unable to do any kind of work.

You will need the assistance of a union rep' to advise you and attend meetings with you.

I was turned down twice but I was granted on the third attempt.

It took over three years and it was enormously stressful and took its toll on my health.

My manager was absolutely horrible and unsupportive.

I wish you the best of luck.

scz456 · March 11

Hi Luvpink,

thank you so much for your advice. I’m so sorry you had a negative experience, but pleased you finally got a positive outcome.

It does feel really stressful, I just don’t know what else I can do. It’s just such a struggle.

thank you again

luvpink · March 11

@scz456

You have to do what you know is right for you.

I knew that going down that route was right for me and so I persevered despite the awful stress it caused me, I got there in the end.

I was only 47 and they didn't want to grant me the early pension.

After I got it the NHS pensions agency wrote to me every year until I reached age 55, for me to sign a form declaring whether I had done any paid work because if I had they would put me on the lower teir pension.

scz456 · March 11

Hi,

It really shouldn’t be so hard should it.

You’d think that from a caring industry - they’d be a bit more supportive.

X

luvpink · March 11

@scz456

It was unbelievable they way they treated me.

If the NHS do not recognise a persons health conditions and inability to work any more it is disgraceful.

If I hadn't won on the 3rd attempt I was considering taking them to court.

hellokatty · March 11

It’s really opened my eyes to NHS work to be honest. I’m nearly 48 and have worked in the nhs since my early 20’s. I think we should really be honest with our colleagues about the fact they should perhaps consider ill health insurance and that the pension scheme isn’t the best back up if you can’t work - once because of how difficult it is to apply and 2 because for a lot of people they just wouldn’t be eligible and they would be left financially vulnerable.

I’m currently still completing the forms - HR have filled in their section but not very explicit about why I can’t work and what’s been done to keep me in work so the union has asked them to change it.
My section is ready to be added in to the form then it goes to the occupational health dr who then sends it to the independent assessor.

I’m so glad you were finally successful with your application. I will definitely be appealing if I’m not granted the tier 2 pension.

luvpink · March 11

@hellokatty

I don't agree with private insurance because we pay enough into our retirement pension to be able to claim it early if we find ourselves unable to continue working.

hellokatty · March 11

@scz456 have you seen a consultant who has said that all treatment for you back has been tried? That’s what has got my occupational health dr to move forward with my case- I’ve got very similar back issues as you. And have had denervation (x2) facet joint injections, caudal epidural injections, and other injections all done twice aswell with minimal improvement. The surgeon has said he feels I’m not a good candidate for surgery and has put in his letters as such and that he feels even with surgery for the disc bulge and nerve involvement the other back pain I’m experiencing would be permanent and chronic.

I would 100% get some support from your union and 100% get some advice from your mental health consultant and your back consultant about what treatment options are available for you so you can clearly supply the evidence you need to continue with the applications. Be really wary of saying anything about ill health retirement to work and HR though. Once they have that in writing they are likely and able to terminate your contract in the basis of capability (and have done with other people I’ve spoken with).

Good luck and I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way and are struggling so much xxx

scz456 · March 11

Hi, thank you so much for your comment. I know it’s going to be a struggle and I’m already worried whether I have the strength for this - but currently no option.

I have already mentioned to my manager regards the ill health retirement as I believe the form to complete comes from HR?

Have you been successful at all with your claim and are you currently working?

thanks xx

NHS pension ill health

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