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Opinions on Fit Notes

Homebird

There is a report on the BBC website about trialling not issuing fit notes, as it has previously been discussed that they take up doctor's time. I note that there are other medical professionals that can issue them. 

I have been off work with burnout and am now on a phased return set out by Occupational Health. To get the first fit note I had to speak to a doctor. Then after that extensions were done from an online request. The last one is still outstanding so have been chasing. I have found that each time I got near to the next one being due it added to my stress, even if I prepared the wording, then the wait to send it online. It is also difficult to work out in advance how long you may need. 

In my opinion, once you have had the first one, it would reduce the stress a bit if left to contact employer when ready to return and would also save precious time for doctors. What do others think?

Parents

  • If I were still working I would be very worried about the GPs not issuing the fit note.

    It sounds to me as though people with poor mental health could be forced back to work albeit with 'support' (which could be rubbish NHS phone 'support').

    'In Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, along with Lancashire and South Cumbria, GPs will refer patients directly to support services, without issuing a fit note.'

  • in reply to B

    It doesn't sound great after reading the article.

    On one hand, it's good to not just sign people off, but to provide support and a pathway so people aren't just left on their own. But what they are planning in some areas is not allowing people time off by not having fit notes? And autistic burnout wouldn't fit that type of approach, so would more autistic people just have leave their jobs instead?

    And knowing how long it takes to get referred for support, will people be expected to keep working until they do? 

    It sounds like the approach to 'getting people into work' is to remove support and expect them to magically just keep working, as if to prove that everyone is just making it up and could be working? Doesn't really sound like they are helping anyone.

  • in reply to Cinnabar_wing

    I understood that if they didn't get fit notes they would get support whilst off. If that is the case though, in the early stages of burnout even interacting is too difficult. I wonder if there would be a period without this first but still allowed time off. Would you be assessed at this stage?

    Your comment about making it up is interesting. I grew up in an era where many frowned on time off for mental health, so still find it hard if I need time off in burnout thinking that people will see it as a choice. When I am off, if I go for a walk there is the fear of seeing someone and that adds to the stress. Yet without this recovery would be difficult.

  • in reply to B

    That is concerning if you are in burnout and can't function. 

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