16 October 2023

Mersey Care is now using new Absence Manager software for unexpected leave.

Calling local rate number 0330 818 6439 captures absence information for issues like sickness, carers or compassionate leave and it will automatically notify your manager or their nominated deputy.

This system is a culture change for many but its implementation is a positive for the Trust. Absence Manager has been live for a couple of weeks and it is giving Trust leads valuable data to support well being and occupational health as well as the resources around that.

In YourBrief this week, colleagues were reminded that ESR must be kept up to date.  Managers - when new staff come to you – please update the ESR hierarchy accordingly as we cannot manage staff’s absence with outdated ESR.

Also, it’s vital that absences are recorded accurately. If we don’t have the reason for the absence, we cannot act on it or refer it to occupational health.

A quick checklist:

All colleagues need to:

Managers need to support their staff by:

 

 

Note down 0330 818 6439 and their assignment number

Review and update ESR hierarchy regularly

 

 

Have their assignment number ready to report an absence

Call the employee back within 24 hours on 0330 818 6440

 

 

Update the expected return date if it changes

Always update type and reason as soon as possible

 

 

Close their absence when they return to work

Complete the return to work interview within 48 hours

 

There’s a set of questions and answers, plus training guides on https://yourspace.merseycare.nhs.uk/health-absence-system

You can reach these pages on any web enabled device at work or home.

The new system is different from the systems many colleagues have used previously and before the various acquisitions. Absence Manager will help to manage unexpected leave more effectively and provides valuable data on how the Trust can resource and support people with sickness and other periods of absence.

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