Sick An Post worker's case to be heard in Dail

By Alan O'Keeffe

A postal worker who was seriously ill when requested to report for a workplace health check, will not return to work for at least another two months.

Eamonn Walsh (60) said he was in a hospital bed being treated for a severe infection when he was given a date to 
report to a company occupational health therapist.

SHOCKED

He said he was shocked as he had informed An Post about his serious illness and had submitted a number of doctor's certs.

He has now complained about An Post's dealings with him in a letter to Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte. His case will be raised in a parliamentary question to the minister by TD Richard Boyd Barrett. After Mr Walsh's plight was highlighted in t he Herald last month, the Dublin letter and parcel sorter received a large number of supportive messages

Speaking at his home in 
Tallaght, the father-of-two said: "It now appears I may be 
unable to work for another two months. My work is quite demanding and involves lifting 30kg parcels."

Mr Walsh said he received a steroid injection on May 22 into his shoulder for a lifting injury. The area became infected and he was admitted to the Santry Sports Clinic hospital.

condition

"Since then, my condition worsened and the infection spread into my kidneys and lungs. I was transferred to Beaumont Hospital where I was a patient for another week," he said.

He is undergoing regular monitoring for further infection and has a number of upcoming physiotherapy appointments.

An Post stated it does not comment on staff matters.

aokeeffe@herald.ie