S'pore healthcare facility requires nurses to give advance notice for MC, spokesperson says it's a misunderstanding

A Singapore healthcare facility seemingly issued a new directive to its nurses, requiring them to give advance notice when applying for medical leave.

"Most illnesses do not suddenly happen," the facility, TCF@East, said in a message to nurses, viewed by Mothership.

TCF@East, or Transitional Care Facility, is a step-down care environment for patients awaiting long-term care or home placement.

In response to Mothership's queries, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) clarified that additional requirements cannot be imposed on employees before valid medical certificates (MCs) are recognised.

The facility itself attributed it to a misunderstanding over its message.

New instruction

The directive was issued shortly after the appointment of a new director of nursing, said an anonymous nurse, M, who spoke to Mothership.

According to the message, day shift nurses are required to apply for medical leave by 8pm the day before.

Night shift nurses are required to do so by 12pm the same day.

"Most illnesses do not suddenly happen, and this will give your OICs ample time to cover your shift," the message read.

"The stated timings are to be STRICTLY followed."

Nurses were told that if they were unable to meet the deadline, they would have to inform their supervisors of "the reason why the timings of reporting cannot be followed".

Mothership also spoke to a part-time nurse at the same facility, A, who said that she is required to provide two days' notice when unable to make it for a shift.

She also has to find her own replacements for shifts, even when unwell, said A.

"Last minute MC/excuse is not acceptable, deduction of 1 day salary as notice period will be imposed," read a message from the employment agency, viewed by Mothership.

Concern among staff

M said that the announcement has caused concern among staff.

"Many feel that this expectation does not reflect the reality of medical conditions, especially given the nature of healthcare work and long shifts," the nurse said.

Staff members are now unsure whether, if they fall sick unexpectedly, their medical leave will be deemed valid or not.

M added that the nurses are concerned that staffing shortages are frequently blamed on colleagues taking medical leave.

This feels like an attempt to pressure staff to "make up for manpower shortages", M said.

Currently, staffing is "stretched" on the ground, with instances in which one staff nurse and one junior staff member are required to manage up to 20 patients.

M added that the issue has been raised to management, but there has been no clear resolution or response thus far.

Facility's response

In response to Mothership's queries, a spokesperson from Pancare, which operates TCF@East, said that the message was "not a directive, but a reminder on best practices".

It was meant to address cases in which staff already felt unwell prior to their work starting, not to require submission of MC within a stipulated timeframe, the spokesperson said.

"The term 'MC' in this context was used solely as a commonly-understood colloquial abbreviation... to refer to staff who are unwell...

The purpose of the message was to seek nursing staff's cooperation to inform supervisors early when they feel unwell, rather than to require 'submission of medical certificate' within the stipulated timeframes."

The facility said it was first alerted to the nurses' "confusion" over the message on Apr. 30, and subsequently received a query by MOM.

It subsequently provided "further guidance" to nurse management, and issued a memo to staff on May 6.

"Pancare remains committed for full compliance with the requirements of the MOM and all applicable regulations, while ensuring a supportive work environment where employees are encouraged to prioritise their health, seek timely medical attention and continue responsibly to maintain continuity and safety of patient care."

MOM's response

An MOM spokesperson clarified that paid sick leave is a statutory entitlement, and employees must be allowed to take sick leave when they are genuinely ill.

Under the Employment Act, employees with MCs should inform, or attempt to inform, their employer within 48 hours from the start of their absence.

This is to avoid being deemed absent without reasonable excuse.

However, additional requirements cannot be imposed before valid MCs are recognised, said the spokesperson.

"Taking sick leave when ill is important for the well-being of employees and their co-workers. Clear and transparent communication of company policies, including around sick leave, can help to foster workplace trust and avoid instances of miscommunication and misunderstanding," MOM said.

In the event of alleged violations of the Employment Act, affected employees may seek assistance from MOM here.