Fit Note Data Extraction

Practices have received a communication from the Health and Social Care Information Centre on the extraction and publication of ‘fit note data’.

The extraction is intended to allow the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to collect data on fit note usage to inform policy development and evaluate the Fit for Work service. This service is designed to support employed people with health conditions.

The information collected will be used to gain a better understanding of sickness absence across England in order that policy can be developed to provide support where it is needed most, helping people with health conditions to return to work earlier.

The data will be completely anonymous to protect patient privacy, it will include:

  • How many computer-generated fit notes are issued
  • How many patients are recorded as ‘unfit’ or ‘maybe fit’ for work