Physiotherapists will be able to sign fit notes, the government has announced as it unveiled new plans to help more people back into work.
The ‘Improving Lives: the Future of Work, Health and Disability’ strategy includes a specific focus on musculoskeletal conditions alongside the expansion of professions who can certify fit notes.
Commenting on the announcement, Prof Karen Middleton, chief executive of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, said:
‘The proposal to allow physiotherapists to issue fit notes is excellent news for patients, as is the focus on musculoskeletal conditions, which are one of the leading reasons for sickness absence in the UK.
‘Physiotherapists are experts in rehabilitation but also in understanding a person’s condition and identifying what adaptations can be made to enable them to return to work.
‘This proposal should mean fewer unnecessary appointments for patients and faster access to the answers they need.
‘But it must be backed up by action and we need more roles for physiotherapists in GP surgeries to deliver that expertise and fully realise the potential of this policy.’
Read more about the government’s plan here and BBC coverage here.
Note to editors
For further media information about the CSP please call the CSP press office on 020 7306 1111 or email pressoffice@csp.org.uk. Out of hours please call Jon Ryan, head of press and PR on 07917 091 200.
1. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is the UK’s professional, educational and trade union body. We have more than 57,000 members, including chartered physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and support workers.
Number of subscribers: 1
Log in to comment and read comments that have been added