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'Fit notes' for back pain concern

(BBC 02/11/2009)

Government plans to introduce GP "fit notes" instead of sick notes may be unrealistic, at least in the case of back pain, say researchers. A survey of 440 GPs in Nottinghamshire found few currently took any responsibility for managing the work issues of patients with back problems. Considerable training and a change in culture will be needed for GPs to take on this role, Family Practice reported. The Royal College of GPs said the issues would be overcome. An overhaul of the sick note system was announced in March last year by Dame Carol Black, the national director for health and work, who calculated that ill-health was costing the economy £100bn a year.