We wrote to Judy recently about a memo that she had put out advising staff to notify her between the hours of 0500 (5am) and 2300 (11pm) if they're going to be off sick, and we reminded her that the Southern Cross Care Agreement says, “Employees will notify the employer of the need to take personal leave (paid or unpaid) as soon as practicable” - and “As soon as practicable” means exactly that.

For example, if you were to go to hospital and the doctor told you that you’d be staying overnight or that you’d be unfit for work the next day and the time is 11.30pm, you should be able to call someone to let them know rather than having to set an alarm for 5am so you can notify Judy.

As soon as practicable means as soon as practicable, not during a specified and arbitrary period.

You should advise Judy you are taking sick leave as soon as you know you are sick, regardless of timeframe.