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Written question asked by Neil Duncan-Jordan (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 June 2026. It was answered by Sharon Hodgson (Labour) on Friday, 3 July 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Medical Certificates: General Practitioners

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, in the context of fit notes, what clinical evidence supports removing or reducing GP involvement in decisions that NICE states require long term clinical understanding.

Answer

In May 2026, the Government announced that it would test reform of the fit note, beginning with pilots across four integrated care boards in England.

The pilots will test a fundamentally different approach, exploring replacing the traditional general practice (GP) led fit note process with newly designed plans, and new work and health teams, that provide better support for people who fall ill at work.

Clear clinical oversight and escalation routes are built into the pilots, which have been designed through close engagement with GP leaders and the health system. GPs will retain a meaningful role in complex cases, including providing clinical evidence where appropriate.

The Government is taking a test and learn approach to design and delivery, and any future rollout or reform will be informed by learnings from the pilots. The current fit note system, where fit notes can be certified by healthcare professionals including GPs following clinical assessment, will continue in non-pilot areas during the pilot period.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
13074
Session
2026-27
Subjects
General practitioners Medical certificates
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk