RCGP statement in response to the Secretary of State’s
speech on tackling ‘sick note culture’
20.02.08
Professor Steve Field, Chair of the Royal
College of General Practitioners (RCGP), says:
“GPs take their responsibility in respect of
sick certification very seriously but can be placed in a difficult
position. Some patients who are disabled or on long term sick leave
would like to return to work but there can be barriers, such as
poor access to services such as physiotherapy, and there must be a
change in the attitude of employers and society more generally.
“The RCGP is taking determined action to
support GPs through a dedicated national education
programme developed in partnership with the Department
for Work and Pensions, including a series of workshops
aimed at increasing GPs’ knowledge and skills in dealing with
clinical issues relating to work and health.
“Work and health are inextricably linked and
GPs want to do more to help patients to be able to work as this can
improve their health. There is clear evidence that being out of
work long term is bad for your health while being in work is
beneficial to health and morale.”
Ends
For more information please contact
the RCGP press office 020 7344 3135/3136/3137/3129 or
email press@rcgp.org.uk