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I have always had poor handwriting - possible dyspraxia but probably not. for a while I have had a bit of osteoarthritis in my hand but it has now spread to the point that holding a pen is painful.
I have to do a fair amount of handwriting at work. some I can do on the computer and print but some has to be handwritten.
Most other parts of the NHS where I work have gone "paper free / paper light" whereby the things I am handwriting are on computer but my workplace is not looking at this because of low bandwidth to the site and also insufficient terminals. It will probably happen at some point tho.
I this something that my employer needs to "make reasonable adjustments" or would that be too onerous and the actual action would be to move me to a different location where I would not have this issue or would it be a case of no longer being able to do my job?
Its not critical yet by any means but at the rate the pain is increasing there will come a point where I am no longer able to do all this handwriting of reports and so on
I know a large part of the answer is consult my union and HR but I wondered if anyone here had any thoughts / expertise in the area.
I think it would fall under the 'reasonable adjustments' thing, is your line manager aware of the physical issue with your hand? These things tend to get worse not better if not addressed.
Slightly different scenario but if I use a mouse without a gel pad /wrist rest for prolonged periods I get a bit of pain in my wrist and numbness in my little finger, so more of an RSI type thing. So my employer to be fair didn't bat an eyelid, they just said find what you want on amazon or whatever and they ordered me one in.
I think the key thing here is to inform your employer about the difficulties with handwriting, and take it from there.
It seems archaic to handwrite a report, if for example you could type it, then just sign and date it by hand if strictly necessary.
Yes reasonable adjustment, unliklun to be a termination of employment ( assuming that your other duties are not impeded in any manner, say holding a syringe whilst admistrating medicines - ) they may move you to another location but again depends on management, I would be looking for adjustment first. Define adjustment and what you are looking for.
Most employers are incredibly reasonable especially the larger ones.
If you are in a union still talk to them now as early doors making them aware of any potential support they may need to offer in the future.
Hope all goes well.
Ta chaps - I have just thought of a very simple control measure - ergonomic pens! It might work
The reason for the handwriting stuff is it all goes in the "notes" - your medical file and thats a collection of paper. Some areas have this as an electronic record but we don't
Since your handwriting is already poor, why not use the other hand? It would take a bit of practice but it's an obvious - and common - solution.
I'll give it a shot but I am very right handed - I don't think I could
Its not critical yet by any means but at the rate the pain is increasing there will come a point where I am no longer able to do all this handwriting of reports and so on
Does this not have an affect on any other duties? I imagine a nurse would need to do delicate and detailed things with hands and that if I was your employer I'd be more concerned about that than the writing aspect.
Errmm - if my handwriting looks like a 6 yr old right handed its like a 2 year olds left handed.
I thought poor handwriting was a prerequisite for those in the medical profession, particularly doctors; there’s even a font for them...
You're obviously going to have to learn / practice ✍
KM - nope - its only in the two joints of my thumb and causes no other ( work) issues bar holding a pen. Never causes pain doing anything else ( apart from using trigger shifters on bikes)
I've only got 3 years till I retire scotroutes! Might not be long enough 😉
Lol at the count!
As you're such a strong advocate of unions it might be appropriate if you referred to your union; you are a member?
Most employers are incredibly reasonable especially the larger ones.
The NHS is especially good for stuff like this. Wouldn't this be an occy health thing rather than HR/Union?
good point rob
If it's just local recording of notes, there shouldn't be an issue with providing a laptop and printer unless they claim the lack of internet would cause issues with security updates etc.
If that's the case, they could go old school and get you an electronic typewriter 🙂
If they read this they'll be bringing in more 'terminals' asap to get rid of you 🙂
TJ, in order to be categorised as a disability under Equality Act and trigger the duty of reasonable adjustment, something would need to have ‘substantial' and 'long-term' negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.
writing is no doubt a normal daily activity, but your comment “Its not critical yet by any means but at the rate the pain is increasing there will come a point where I am no longer able to do all this handwriting of reports and so on” would suggest to me that, at the moment at least, it’s unlikley to fulfil the substantial negative effect test - it may in the future, but given you retire in three years that’s a hypothetical bridge to cross further down the line
Getting a different pen seems to be a quick and easy thing to try here https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=arthritis+pen&client=safari&hl=en-gb&prmd=sinv&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi8o7yOnofaAhUM2qQKHWdTA40Q_AUIEigC&biw=320&bih=454