Fit for work service implementation begins

Following a trial period, the fit for work service, a service that will allow GPs to refer employed patients to Occupational Health, has commenced in the Sheffield and Rhyl areas.

These are the first two areas to fully implement the service; it will shortly roll out to other areas.

GPs in these two areas are now able to refer their patients to an occupational health professional who will assess the patient and seek to identify issues that are preventing the patient from returning to work.

The occupational health professional will then provide a report that will be given to the patients’ employers. The report aims to detail suggested back to work plans and any adjustments the employee may need to enable them to return to work.

GP referrals will roll out nationwide by autumn 2015, when employers can start to refer too.