Doctors in Harborough area signing thousands off sick, many with mental health problems

GPs working in the NHS East Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Group area issued a total of 18,692 notes between October 2017 and September 2018.

People in work need a fit note, previously called a sick note, if they are off work for more than seven days. Up to that point they can self-certify that they are unwell.

Mental health is the most significant single cause. Of the notes signed in east Leicestershire and Rutland, 2,633 or 14% were issued for mental health problems. A further 1,633 were the result of musculoskeletal conditions such as back problems.

Research by mental health charity Mind found that nearly half of workers said they had suffered from mental health issues during their current employment.

Emma Mamo, head of workplace wellbeing at the charity, said: “Mental health problems can be debilitating and should be seen as a valid reason for needing time off.

“However, if staff are well supported they can and do make a valuable contribution to the workplace, whether they have a mental health problem or not.

“Thankfully, many employers are making strides when it comes to prioritising workplace wellbeing, recognising well-supported workers are happier, more productive and loyal.”

Across England, 5.6 million fit notes were handed out over the 12 months to the end of September last year.

The number of fit notes signed in east Leicestershire and Rutland in that period is down on the previous 12 months, but this may be due, in part, to under-reporting in February last year caused by data-gathering issues.

Doctors in the area issued 2,068 fit notes for every 100,000 people on their registers, on average, each month. The highest rate was 3,641 per 100,000 in Halton and lowest rate was 867 in Richmond.

Despite being called fit notes, almost all of those issued classify people as unfit for work. This was the case for 94% of the notes handed out across the country.

However, fit notes are also used to advise patients and their employers on getting back to work with reduced hours or limited duties.

Women were signed off sick a little more than men. They received 57% of the fit notes across England over the 12 months.