Nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists can all legally certify fit notes starting today (Friday, July 1, 2022), relieving pressure on NHS doctors, particularly GPs, and eliminating needless red tape.
Today’s publication of updated guidance for employers and health care professionals on these changes outlines how to assist people in continuing to work while managing a health condition.
To ensure that these changes benefit both patients and clinicians, this has been developed and agreed upon with the help of health professionals and the DHSC. Additionally, the existing patient and employer guidance has been updated.
By offering guidance to an employer on how to support a worker, this significant change recognises the value of assisting individuals in maintaining employment while managing a health condition. Additionally, the change streamlines the procedure by drawing on the knowledge of a wider range of healthcare professionals.
By making it simpler to obtain guidance from the most pertinent healthcare professional, the change, which is applicable throughout England, Scotland, and Wales and is being replicated in Northern Ireland, will support and empower better conversations about work and health between employers and employees.
When people see and receive treatment from an alternative professional for their health condition, they won’t need to be sent to a doctor to have the fit note signed, which will enhance the patient experience and relieve pressure on medical staff.
The new fit note form will be available to healthcare professionals delivering NHS services in GP offices, hospitals, and other NHS settings.
Fit notes give employers proof of an employee’s absence and any pertinent guidance on how to support their workers so they can continue working or return to it. Additionally, they offer proof in support of benefits claims made by unemployed people.
Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Chloe Smith MP said:
“Having a health condition doesn’t have to take you out of a job. This change will make it easier for people and employers to get the advice they need so people can stay in work, whilst also reducing bureaucracy and freeing up doctors’ time.
“Too often we see people being faced with unnecessary challenges to get a fit note. More professionals being able to offer this vital service will speed up the process and support people to return to or remain in work.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid MP said:
“Slashing unnecessary bureaucracy is key to ensuring more patients can see their GP quickly and get the care they need as we bust the Covid backlogs.
“That’s why we have introduced these powers to ensure certifying fit notes can be carried out by other healthcare professionals – helping to relieve pressures on GPs so they can focus on patients and deliver an extra 50 million appointments a year by 2024.”
Director of Practice and Development at Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Ashley James said:
“Physiotherapists are already at the forefront of patient care but these new powers to certify fit notes will ensure a more efficient process to support patients’ return to work.
“Physiotherapist expertise is often key in having health and work conversations and providing effective rehabilitation throughout the return to work journey. Getting treatment and support right can help patients remain in work and manage conditions effectively or return to work in a timely manner.
“These new measures remove the need for a separate appointment with a GP. This can only be good news for patients as well as help to take some pressure off primary care services.”
Chair of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section for Work Dr Jain Holmes said:
“This new opportunity will mean more people can get expert advice from occupational therapists. The profession is keen to show how we identify work and health needs and then provide tailored advice for the people we see.
“As Chair of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section for Work, we will be providing support to help the transition to this change which will benefit people’s everyday working lives.”
The changes to the fit note deliver on commitments made last year to reduce ill health related job loss in the government’s Health is Everyone’s Business consultation response.