CSP says data supports its call for physios to issue fit notes to patients and ease GP pressures

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MSK problems were the second most common reason for fit notes being issued, amounting to 18 per cent of almost seven million of them, according to NHS Digital.

Mental health and behavioural conditions accounted for 1.8 million of the fit notes, compared to 1.1 million for MSK problems.

Ease GP pressures

The CSP is calling for legislative changes to allow physios to issue fit notes to ease pressure on GPs.

Following the post-general election ‘confidence and supply’ deal, CSP representatives met with Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MPs, who agreed to back the fit note campaign.

CSP director of practice and development Natalie Beswetherick said: ‘These statistics give further weight to allowing physiotherapists to sign people off work, and to providing greater numbers of them in GP surgeries.

‘Doing that would free up GPs while ensuring patients receive expert advice on their condition at the point of being signed off to help them get back to work as soon as they feel able.

Long-term conditions

‘There would also be benefits for people with long-term conditions, who at present must make an additional GP appointment to get signed off when they suffer a setback,’ Ms Beswetherick said.

‘Giving physiotherapists the right to help patients – and the system – in this way is supported by doctors’ organisations and must be delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions as it conducts its review of the current process.’