Increase in the number of fit notes issued

New statistics by NHS Digital have revealed that the number of fit notes issued by GPs has increased by almost nearly nine per cent in the past two years.

The figures show that GPs in England wrote nearly 9.5 million fit notes in 2018/19, compared to over 8.7 million in 2016/17 - representing an increase of 8.6 per cent. There was also a rise in the number of fit notes issued between 2016 and 2017,  from 8.7 million to 9.2 million - up 6.4 per cent.

GPs also issued fit notes for longer periods of time, with over three million fit notes issued for five weeks or longer in 2018/19.

The British Medical Association has recommended that the Department of Work and Pensions extend the period of sick leave from seven days to 14 days to help reduce the number of fit notes GPs have to issue, easing an already 'overstretched' GP service.

Dr Richard Vautrey, BMA GP committee chair, said: “It is a significant workload for GPs who are the main providers of fit notes. Many areas have tried to encourage secondary care services to issue fit notes after hospital procedures and other contacts but this is still not done consistently enough, which inconveniences patients as well as leading to unnecessary consultations in general practice.

“We have previously called for an extension of the period of self-certification from seven days to 14 days, which could empower patients and help reduce unnecessary requests. This is still something DWP should consider as a way to improve access to overstretched GP services.”