Dear Christine,
I am writing this letter hoping it finds you in the best of health and that God continues to bless you for the wonderful work you are doing.
I have written to you before on behalf of my children and now about my medical condition. I took ill at the beginning of the year while at work.
After being ill for four months, I was admitted to the hospital to have my problem taken care of; at least that’s what I thought.
After the operation, I spent two days in hospital and have not been the same since. In fact, I have started to lose the feeling on one side of my body.
I saw the doctor a week later and explained what was happening to me. He said he could not explain the situation.
I thought at the time that I would have been sent over to the clinic to be reviewed but was not. Instead, I was told when I went back six weeks later to explain again what was happening. I then went to see a private doctor.
Christine, every time I go to the doctor I get a different story about my medical status. I was told that I would have to go back to the operating room in order to find out what is happening.
Now, another doctor told me that they do not want to take me since it might cause more damage.
I was recently given a letter to take to the Social Work Department of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital about any assistance that can be provided to me. I am waiting to see how that goes.
My children and I are suffering. I am unable to work because I can hardly walk, and I am in constant pain. I cannot sleep at nights because I am unable to pay my bills and rent, which is now five months overdue.
My brother, who died, left a two-bedroom house, which I was told I can have. However, the owners of the land want it off the spot. I have no place to put it and do not know if or when I will return to work.
Two weeks ago, a doctor at a clinic I attended told me that I should attain a letter from the doctors stating that I am medically unfit for work. I asked the doctors about it and was told it was not for them to do.
I was told that my employers should send a letter to the medical board stating I am medically unfit for work. I spoke to the Human Resource Department at my workplace and was told that was not their duty.
Christine, if I am put out of my house there is nowhere for me and my children to go. That’s the truth!
My children are doing wonderful things in school andI cannot afford for them to be unhappy and drop back in their studies.
I want to thank those people who have reached out to help so far. Those people know who they are.
To tell the truth, there is nothing that warms my heart more than to see my children smiling and happy. Again, on behalf of my children, I thank you.
– D.B
Dear D.B,
Thanks again for your letter. I see that the situation has become more complicated as you look toward the future.
To be deemed medically unfit, you must be given a certificate from your doctor that states this.
This must then be presented to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and a copy given to your employers. The NIS will look into your case and determine its validity, but that certificate is important.
I have asked some individuals to provide further assistance and to help you with your outstanding rent and bill payments. That’s only for the short term.
I will see what can be done from my end as my assistant continues to look into your case.
In the interim, I hope that readers will at least help to supply food items. Hang in there!
– CHRISTINE