Testimonials.

Sandra had been absent from work for several weeks, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing subsequent treatment. When notified at week four of absence, we were able to put her in touch with our independent cancer specialist partner EMR.

How we helped

EMR was able to carry out the initial assessment over the phone and answered all the questions Sandra had about her pending reconstruction surgery and other treatment options, which she was unable to discuss with her consultant breast surgeon. As a qualified nurse with many years experience in a regional plastic surgery unit, our EMR specialist was able to help Sandra prepare her expectations after surgery.

The report obtained from Sandra’s consultant breast surgeon also confirmed and supported our EMR specialists’ exact diagnosis, treatment to be performed and the expected time she would need to be off work to recover.

The result

Sandra was thankful for the advice and support she was given by our EMR specialists, as her GP was unable to give her the information she needed about recovery after surgery.

Two months after the operation, EMR contacted Sandra to find out how she was coping and how else they could help with the recovery process. EMR suggested delaying her return to work for another two to three weeks, to make sure that she had had the minimum three month period of recovery. They developed a return to work plan that gradually increased her contracted hours over a six week period. EMR also informed her employer of their recommendations.

Sandra is continuing with her return to work plan and is coping but experiencing tiredness. EMR are still monitoring her and have offered to adapt her return to work plan but Sandra is keen to continue as planned.

This case study is a real life example based on how we worked together with Sandra and her employer to provide the appropriate treatment to support her through the recovery process and back to work.

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