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