Number of ‘fit notes’ from GPs soars

THE number of ‘fit notes’ issued by GPs has risen by nearly a tenth, research has shown.

The latest NHS Digital figures show 1.4million fit notes were issued between July and September 2017, a 9 per cent increase on the 1.3 million issued over the same period in the previous year.

The research was carried out by GP magazine Pulse, which also found that many doctors believe the advice written on them is ignored by employers.

It showed a 13.5 per cent rise in fit notes issued for mental and behavioural disorders, while the number of notes that were for five weeks or longer went up slightly from 34.4 per cent to 35.2 per cent.

The Statement of Fitness for Work, also known as the Med3 form or fit note, enables doctors to give medical evidence to employers or support a claim for health-related benefits.

A note is issued after seven days of sickness absence if the doctor believes the patient’s health affects their fitness for work, but Pulse said many GPs complained about the amount of time the paperwork takes to complete.

Doctors also said a lot of employers and employees do not understand how fit notes work. Its survey of more than 800 GPs found 21 per cent thought employers did not usually follow the advice set out in the notes.

British Medical Association GP committee chairman Dr Richard Vautrey said: ‘This is yet another indicator showing the workload pressures GPs are facing.’