New Fit Note Rules Let Nurses and Therapists Sign You Off Sick
Big shake-up for sick notes is coming this July! From July 1, nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists will be able to officially certify fit notes — a job doctors have had a monopoly on until now.
Faster Sick Notes, Less Hassle for GPs
The change follows April’s rollout of digital fit notes, which already trimmed red tape by making fit notes easier to issue and receive. Now, patients can get signed off by the healthcare professional best suited to their condition, meaning quicker, more tailored health advice.
This will ease the mounting pressure on GPs and cut bureaucracy for both the NHS and employers. Instead of waiting on a doctor’s sign-off, patients can get the green light to stay off work from a wider range of experts.
Ministers and Experts Back The Move
“This is fantastic news for patients,” said Chloe Smith, Minister for Disabled People, Health, and Work. “It will help people get the right advice from the right professional, making it easier to work as long as possible.”
Maria Caulfield, Minister for Patient Safety and Primary Care added: “Extending certification powers helps clear Covid backlogs and relieves GPs while supporting the NHS goal of 50 million more GP appointments a year by 2024.”
Dr Kieran Sharrock, deputy chair of the BMA England GP committee, said: “This move frees up GPs to focus on the patients who really need them while improving access and reducing bureaucracy.”
Healthcare Pros Welcome New Powers
Karen Middleton, Chief Exec of The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, said: “Physios are well placed to support patients and speed up their return to work. This change means fewer separate GP appointments for sick notes — great news for patients.”
Karin Orman of The Royal College of Occupational Therapists added: “This bold change allows OTs to directly help workers stay in or return to their jobs, meeting urgent demands from employees and employers alike.”
What’s a Fit Note?
- If you’re off work for over seven days due to illness, a fit note lets you prove this to your employer.
- It also provides advice on how employers can support your return to work.
- Originally introduced in 2010, the fit note was previously only signed off by doctors.
With these updates, getting the right fit note just got easier, faster, and less stressful — a win for patients, healthcare staff, and employers alike.
