Coventry & Warwickshire ICB has been selected to lead a new pilot programme across selected GP practices in Coventry & Warwickshire to test new ways of supporting people with health conditions that affect their ability to work.
This is one of four national pilots looking at how the fit note system can be improved so that it better supports patients, healthcare professionals and employers. Rather than focusing solely on issuing fit notes, the new approach aims to provide earlier, more personalised support to help people manage their health, remain connected to work where appropriate, and recover successfully.
The pilot is being delivered on our behalf by Coventry & Warwickshire Integrated Primary Care.
How the pilot will work
GPs in the participating practices will issue a patient’s first fit note. If patients return for another fit note, they will be offered a referral into a new work and health support service.
A dedicated multidisciplinary community work and health team, with an approximate balance of 50% clinical and 50% non-clinical staff will develop workability plans to support people to stay in or return to work, or to sign them off sick where appropriate. Participation in the pilot is voluntary for patients.
Only a small number of GP practices will be taking part. Areas not participating in the pilot will continue to follow the current fit note procedure.
Dr Will Taylor, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Coventry and Warwickshire ICB, said:
“We know the current fit note process is not linked to joined-up support that patients, their GPs, employers and the wider system need. This pilot is an important step towards a more holistic, partnership-based approach to managing sickness absence.
“By introducing earlier, more personalised work and health support, we can help people stay well, remain in work where possible, and return to work more quickly when they are able.”
Dr Ben Atkins, Chief Officer – Clinical of Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Primary Care (IPC), said:
“We are delighted that Coventry and Warwickshire has been selected to take part in this important national pilot. By bringing together primary care, occupational health, work and health services, and wider partners within our neighbourhood teams, we have an exciting opportunity to test new ways of supporting people to remain in or return to good work while improving their health and wellbeing. We look forward to working with patients, employers and partners across the system to learn what works and help shape future national policy.”
The pilot is designed to complement, not replace, medical care. GPs and healthcare professionals will continue to provide clinical support, while specialist work and health advisers can offer additional assistance focused on employment and recovery. Patients who need a fit note to access DWP services will continue to receive one.
The pilot will launch initially at two practices from October, one in Rugby, one in Coventry, ahead of a phased roll out across two primary care networks. For more information, visit http://www.cwintegratedprimarycare.nhs.uk/fitnote
