"Sick Notes"

...Or "Fit-notes". I wonder if anyone can confirm something for me.

I've heared that the DWP/ATOS are writing to some G.P's and advising them not to write some patients anymore "Sick-notes" as they have been found fit for work.....

Surely, this can't be correct. My G.P wasn't contacted once in connection with my claim, but I'm seeing her weekly at present as my mental health is so bad. Her advice is that I'm certainly not "fit for work" for the forseeable future. Can the DWP force this practice upon doctors? I couldn't believe it when I heared.

-Marie

The DWP can and does what it wants, they have often taken little or no notice of what doctors have wrote on sick notes, come to think of it, they some times take no notice of what specialists write on reports when asked for for DLA claims

This happened to a friend of mine, her GP was advised to stop writing sick notes, as she found fit for work! But because she was appealing she was entitled to have sick notes still written out! but u have to write a appeal before the dwp will then write again to your GP stating to continue writing sick notes!

I found this all a bit bizarre

There is a lot of info for you on different sites this is off the Directgov site there’s also www.healthyworkinguk.co.uk/ and www.dwp.gov.uk/fitnote/
Understanding your fit note
When your doctor provides you with a fit note they will advise you on one of two options. Either you will be 'not fit for work' or you 'may be fit for work'.
'Not fit for work' Your doctor will choose this option when they believe that your health condition will prevent you from working for a stated period of time.
'May be fit for work' Your doctor will choose this option when they believe that you may be able to return to work while you recover with some help from your employer.
Your doctor may include some comments which will help your employer understand how you are affected by your condition. If appropriate, they can also suggest one or more common ways to help you return to work.This could include:
a phased return to work - where you may benefit from a gradual increase in your work duties or working hours, for example after an operation or after injury
• altered hours - allowing you the flexibility to start or leave later, for example if you struggle travelling in the 'rush hour'
• amended duties - to take into account your condition, for example removing heavy lifting if you have had a back injury
• changes to your workplace - to take into account your condition, for example allowing you to work on the ground floor if you have problems going up and down stairs
If your doctor thinks that you are bad enough Marie you should be OK

Hi All,

In a nutshell, once you've had your WCA the DWP are no longer interested in whether your GP thinks you are fit for work or not, except if you appeal against a decison that you don't have limited capability for work, in which case you have to submit sick notes until your appeal has been decided.

Yes, it is a very odd system.

steve