Fit for Work Service – Working for GPsDr Sundar Thava
BSc (Hons) MBBS MSt (Cantab) MRCSI MRCS (Eng) MRCGP MSB CBIO
22nd October 2014
Presentation- Overview
• What is the Fit for Work Service?
• Why do we need it?
• How will it add value to my practice?
2
Introduction
Objectives of Service
To address the negative impact of sickness on the state
• Offer GP’s expert support
• Reduce length of sickness absences
• Prevent fallout from work onto benefits
• Increase understanding of benefits of work
4
What is the Fit for Work Service?
• DWP Funded Early Intervention Initiative
• National Occupational Health support: GP’s, employers & employees
• Advice line + Assessments- by qualified experts
• Launches from Dec 2014
5
The Bio-Psycho-Social Model
Presentation title6
The Referral Process
Presentation title7
BiopsychosocialAssessment
Employee
Employer
GP
Phone Assessment
Face to Face Assessment
Consent to Share
with
Employer
GP
and/or
Delivery of:· Actions in Return
to work plan· Stepped Approach· Case Management
SuccessEmployee Returns to Work
Ongoing support available via portal and advice line
Revise & update if necessary
4 weeks(or expected to reach 4 weeks)
off work
Consents to referral
The ReferralStep-up, step down and case management
8
Why do we need it?What are the anticipated benefits?
Potential Benefits
• Expert occupational advice
• Opportunity to practice holistically
• Preservation of Doctor-Patient relationship
• No requirement for fit cert while in system
• Reduced consultation rates
• Greater patient satisfaction
10
Unemployment perpetuates poor health
11
• Diminishes quality of life
• Condemns workless family to cycle of poverty
• Exacerbates inequalities in our society
• Drives social injustice
• Perpetuates child poverty
12
Presentation to CCGWider benefits to society and state
• Growing awareness of generally beneficial for people’s health
• Currently, over 130 million days are lost to sickness absence every year, negatively impacting individuals, employers and the State
• It is estimated employers would save £100 million a year in sick pay costs through Fit for Work, with an increased economic output of £150 million a year
Thank you