The fit notes have been tested on over 500 GPs across a range of practice types, sites and settings and have received positive feedback, according to the DoH.
Speaking at the launch of the scheme in central London this morning, health secretary Alan Johnson said that the current sick note system needed to be changed because it had ‘no flexibility whatsoever'.
‘I am pleased that GPs and the BMA are behind the launch of the fit note,' he said.
In addition in the launch of the fit note, the DoH and the RCGP have worked together to develop a National Education Programme to improve GPs' knowledge, skills and confidence when dealing with work issues.
This will be available from April 2009 to all GPs in Britain.
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