Changes to how sick notes are given out have come into effect today (July 1) and are set to make it a lot easier to get for millions of ill patients.
Previously a doctor had to dish out the forms meaning people had to secure an appointment with their local GP - never an easy task.
But now ‘fit notes’ can be certified by doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists and physiotherapists, meaning that far more health workers can make that decision. The change to the rules is aimed at easing pressure on NHS doctors and GPs amidst a crisis in recruitment across the UK.
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) added that it would reduce “unnecessary bureaucracy” as the NHS tackles the Covid-19 backlog. Fit notes, which are officially called the The Statement of Fitness for Work, are needed if a person has been off work with an illness for more than seven days.
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Those healthcare professionals given the extra powers include specialist nurses such as a diabetes specialist nurse (DSN) or geriatric nurse, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists. It comes after the introduction of digital certifying of sick notes in April this year which was designed to “simplify the process of issuing and receiving fit notes,” according to the DWP, and reduce “unnecessary bureaucracy” as the NHS deals with the backlog caused by the Covid pandemic.
It will also make it easier to show proof to an employer for sick pay purposes. A DWP spokesperson said: “The change, the most significant since the fit note’s inception in 2010, will support and empower better conversations about work and health between employers and staff by making it easier to get this advice certified by the most relevant healthcare professional. This change will be delivered in general practice and hospital settings."
Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Chloe Smith MP said: “The extension of fit note certification is fantastic news for patients, making it easier for them to get the support and advice they need from the right place, ensuring where possible that they are able to remain in work. These latest fit note changes recognise the valuable role other professions play in helping manage people’s health, and I hope this will also help reduce unnecessary bureaucracy for doctors and general practice more widely.”
BMA England GP committee deputy chair, Dr Kieran Sharrock said: “This announcement is a positive step and we hope that it will go some way to both improving the process for people who need confirmation that they are too unwell to work, and free up GPs time to care for patients who need their expertise.
“The BMA has been clear for many years that it may not always be necessary or appropriate for a GP to issue a fit note, especially when a patient has seen a different member of the practice team for their condition, such as a nurse or physiotherapist. At a time when the entire NHS is under pressure, reducing unnecessary administration and bureaucracy, while taking a more flexible and pragmatic approach to patient services is absolutely vital.”
Fit notes can only be issued following an assessment of a person’s fitness for work, so cannot be issued on request or via over-the-counter services.
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