Managing Attendance Policy - Halton and St Helens PCT

If there is a need for long term appointments then Managers are required to refer thestaff member to Occupational Health to ensure the appropriate support is providedwithin the workplace In relation to health tests required during the working day, it is expected that staff willreturn to work after such tests, unless it is expected that the testing will causetemporary ill health. In such instances, agreement should be made with the LineManager prior to appointments and use of other forms of leave should be considered. When attending an Occupational Health or other appointment at the request of theTrust staff will not be expected to make up the time taken in relation to travel andlength of appointment.Statement of Fitness for Work – Changes to Medical CertificationFrom 6 April 2010 the medical certificate is changing to become a fit note. The old MedicalCertificates or sick notes provided advice about whether or not an individual with a healthcondition is fit for work.Many employees with health conditions can, with some basic support work as they recover fromtheir condition. The new fit note system will mean that GP’s can advise employees: -Unfit for work; orMay be fit for some workA GP will give a ‘may be fit to work’ statement if they think their patients health condition mayallow them to work if they get suitable support from their employer. This support maybe:Phased return to workAltered hoursAmended duties; and/orWorkplace adaptionsThe GP may also offer written comments on the Fitness for Work statement giving a moredetailed view of the kind of things that may help. For example how an employee’s condition willaffect what they do and some of the things that could help employees return to work. Thechanges are not about trying to get people back to work before they are ready, but aboutremoving the challenges to them returningThe statement is not binding and if the adjustments cannot be made discussions need to takeplace between the employee and Manager as to why they cannot be made. The employeedoes not need to go back to their GP for a new statement if adjustments cannot be made.However these discussions should be documented.Page 13 of 31