Fit Certificates - Statement of Fitness for Work (Med 3)
DWP Doctor help line 0800 022 42 33
These come into effect on 6th April 2010 and replace Med 3 certificates and Med 5 certificates. Med 4 certificates are no longer required.
- Single form replacing Med 3 & 5
- Allows for non face to face consultations
- Maximum duration of initial statement from 6 months to 3 months
- Tick boxes for recommendations such as reduced hours or reduced duties
These forms replace the old Med 3s and Med 5s and appear to be an improvement on that system. There is no need for a back to work certificate and there is the ability to make an assessment by telephone consultation, face to face encounter or report from another health professional.
The certificate has space to recommend whether or not you need to see the patient again at the end of the statement period.
There is a reduction in the maximum duration of statement during the first 6 months of illness to 3 months and the form has increased space for comments and some tick boxes to indicate simple adjustments or adaptations that could aid the patients return to work.
This is not to suggest that we should suddenly become occupational health doctors but that it may facilitate a discussion around returning to work and we can use our clinical judgement on what we feel may be done to achieve this. This advice is not binding for employers and if they cannot implement the advice then the certificate is valid for the patient to remain off work without need for a further consultation.
Occupational Health Guide to Operation Recovery Times
DWP fit certificate guide notes for GPs
DWP fit certificate guide notes for hospital doctors
