GP surgeries in England are launching a pilot project aimed at assisting patients in returning to work, offering services such as career coaching and exercise classes. This initiative, funded with £1.5m and available to 15 regions, seeks to reduce the duration of sick notes issued to patients. Health professionals will receive training to provide work-related advice. The project builds on a previous initiative called WorkWell that introduced referrals to additional services, enhancing support for those facing long-term health issues.
A total of £1.5m is being made available to 15 regions in England, which will be shared between GP practices to hire coaches or occupational therapists.
The aim is to help people return to the workplace more quickly to reduce the length of time they need fit notes, commonly known as sick notes.
Health staff would be offered training to give work and health advice, helping patients access fitness classes or career coaching.
In one positive case, a woman off work due to a fractured ankle was referred to a 12-week exercise programme for strengthening.
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