Nurses and physiotherapists can now provide ill patients with “fit-notes” to stay off work in an attempt to ease pressure on GP services.
A range of health staff including pharmacists and occupational therapists are certifying illness sign-offs under moves to free up doctors to tackle the treatment backlog.
NHS Grampian has successfully completed a pilot scheme at a GP practice which staff described as “really positive” and a step in the right direction.
David Cooper, a GP from Old Machar Medical Practice in Aberdeen, said: “It is a more efficient way for us to work as a practice. For the nurses, physiotherapists and others who are working closely with a patient, it makes sense for them to be able to work on fit-notes without having