The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, has proposed a plan to test removing GPs’ authority to sign people off work as part of an effort to tackle the country’s “sick note culture”. Sunak aims to make it more difficult to obtain sick notes by having specialist work and health professionals issue notes instead. The move has been met with criticism from the British Medical Association (BMA), which noted that fit notes were meticulously assessed before being written.
Dr Mohit Mandiratta, a GP based in Halesowen, stated that he supports other healthcare professionals taking on fit notes because it would ease GPs’ workload. He emphasised that the issuance of fit notes typically follows a consultation with patients, which requires a personalised approach. Dr Chris Jacobs, a Swindon-based GP, also believes involving professionals other than GPs could benefit primary care, as long as they are trained to deal with a patient’s health and mental health. He added that it would allow GPs to focus more on treating patients. County Durham GP Dr Kas Hawes, on the other hand, thinks sick notes can be a challenging part of a GP’s job and that there are risks in removing them from GPs.
Sick notes, also known as fitness-to-work notes, provide evidence that an individual’s health is affecting their ability to work. A “fit note” confirms that an individual is sick, confirming eligibility for sick pay and a valid reason for staying off work. Employees can self-certify their absence from work due to illness for seven days and generally qualify for sick pay. However, if their illness forces them to be absent from work for an extended period of time, they need a fit note to continue receiving sick pay and also qualify for some welfare payments.
Sunak believes that the involvement of specialist work and health professionals in issuing sick notes instead of GPs could prove to be more effective in getting people back to work. He also noted the importance of work for people’s health, with those working being happier and more satisfied. However, the BMA has criticised Sunak’s proposal, and some healthcare professionals think the risks of removing sick notes from GPs can have lasting impacts on vulnerable patients. The proposal is still under review, and there is no official timetable for its implementation
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