Displaying items by tag: NHS policy

Hundreds of GPs have told the BBC they have never refused a patient’s request for a sick note related to mental health concerns, highlighting growing pressures within the current system. In a questionnaire to which 752 responded, 540 said they had never declined such a request, while 162 reported refusing at least one. Many doctors expressed frustration that issuing fit notes has become a difficult part of their role, placing them in the position of both patient advocate and gatekeeper for access to sick pay and benefits. NHS data shows the number of fit notes issued has risen significantly in recent years, with more than 956,000 citing mental health or behavioural disorders as the main reason last year. Some GPs said it was challenging to assess mental health conditions objectively and sometimes easier to issue a note than face conflict with patients. Government officials are now exploring possible reforms to the system, including greater involvement from employers and occupational health services.