GP BUSINESS: Help patients back to work.(Brief Article)

GPs can take an active role in helping employees return to work, says Dr David Beaumont

Whatever their differing views on sick notes and rehabilitation at work, under the current system, the GP role in this area remains a crucial one.

In my article on sickness absence and issuing sick notes (GP, 17 June, 2002), I pointed out that, from a national perspective, rehabilitation is a significant part of welfare reform.

There have also been reports produced by the Confederation of British Industry and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) making it clear they see the availability of successful rehabilitation as essential both for employers and employees. …