Sick note, fit note, no note?

doi:10.1136/bmj.39542.435127.3A

BMJ 2008;336:789 (12 April), doi:10.1136/bmj.39542.435127.3A

Letters

Health of the workers

Sick note, fit note, no note?

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Snashall’s description of the current sick note systemas an unaudited farce demonstrates a delightful but unusualhonesty.¹ Working for a Healthier Tomorrow pins considerablefaith on moving to a "fit note." It is unrealistic for generalpractitioners to be expected not only to assess health but alsoto understand the detail of job requirements, which may be welloutside their personal experience, within a brief consultation.

It’s time to demedicalise the process wherever that ispossible. Recognition began in 1982 with the extension of selfcertification from the first three days to the first seven daysof absence from work. There is no good reason why this periodcould not be extended.

A recent small trial in our business, whereby the requirementto submit a sick note was replaced with the offer of early supportand assessment by occupational health, was received very positively.The workforce felt a greater . . . [Full text of this article]

Martyn J F Davidson, group head

¹ Occupational Health, Centrica, Windsor SL4 5GD

martyn.davidson@gmail.com