Question 3
Scenario: Mr Peters has been off work for a month following an episode of depression. The GP writes a fit note stating that he may be fit for some work. He writes in the comments section that he would benefit from shorter hours for the first week back in work.
The GP gives him a fit note with a date to return to work in two weeks. The GP also suggests to Mr Peters that he continues to take regular exercise, and goes out to see friends. The GP advises Mr Peters to speak to his line manager to discuss some of his workplace issues.
Look at the example new fit note and identify the areas that are correctly filled in.
Select one or more options from the answers below.
Feedback
A. Incorrect. The return to work date has been entered correctly stating that 'this will be the case for two weeks', however it is not necessary to fill in the 'or from' boxes as well. If a specific date to return to work is filled in, it is often helpful to set this midweek to enable the patient to ease back into a work routine without tiring him or her too much.
B. Correct. You do not have to fill in the boxes if you put may be fit for work, but they provide some guidance to the employer about what you think might help your patient.
C. Correct. If you state your patient may be fit for work, then you must fill in this section.
D. Correct. The GP did not need to specify that they would see the patient again before returning to work at the end of the two week period.
To view the correctly filled out fit note click here.
