Absence reporting

Any unplanned absence and planned medical procedures (e.g. planned surgery) should be reported to the Absence Manager phone line on 0330 808 0260 as soon as you realise you will not be able to attend work.

The system should be used by seconded staff, NHSP workers and agency contractors at Nightingale North West. G4S and Interserve staff should follow their own reporting process except for COVID-19 related absences. For further guidance please see below.

Absence Manager is an automated service which is always answered within one ring. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Upon calling you will be asked to give your assignment number. MFT staff will use their usual assignment number, any other staff should use their mobile number.

After logging your absence, you will be contacted by a member of the attendance team during normal office hours who will confirm your reason for absence and offer any occupational health support required.

COVID-19 related absence

All COVID-19 absences (including G4S and Interserve) must be reported to the Absence Manager as listed above. This then alerts the swabbing team who will book in tests as per the below.

NHS Employers has issued specific guidance surrounding COVID-19 related absences for staff covered by Agenda for Change (AfC) Terms and Conditions of Service. This includes:

• Any sickness absence related to COVID-19 for AfC and medical staff will not be counted for the purposes of any sickness absence triggers or sickness management policies
• Self-isolation will be classed as special leave for infection precaution or medical suspension purposes
• Self-isolation and sickness absence relating to COVID-19 will be paid full pay, inclusive of enhancements.

COVID-19 testing

Manchester Foundation Trust will be co-ordinating swabbing for all Nightingale North West staff (inclusive of G4S and Interserve). Any COVID-19 related absences will be highlighted to the swabbing team who will get in touch with staff members to book in a testing appointment.

Please note that if you are required to self-isolate due to a family member displaying symptoms of COVID-19, we may request that this individual is swabbed.

Please note the usual Attendance Management and Special Leave policies used by your substantive employer, or NHSP if applicable, will apply. Information regarding all unplanned absences will be communicated to your substantive employer.