This page is all about patient's being able to access easy and fast healthcare when they need it and in easier more accessible formats. Did you know there are some services you can self refer for? 

Firstly .please be aware that not all services will be appropriate for everybody, most services have initial assessment/questionnaires that will make sure that your medical problem can be dealt with appropriately and safely by the service you have chosen/been signed posted to. If you are in doubt that this service is suitable, please seek medical advice. If you have started an initial assessment or the service is not deemed not appropriate for you, please follow advice accordingly and do not delay.

getuBetter - The new physiotherapy self-referral app 

Do you have a joint or muscle problem?
Please use the FREE local getUBetter app approved by your clinicians in Mid Essex.
It is provided alongside your NHS care and offers local tips, advice, and exercises
tailored to you and your stage of recovery.
• Instant access
• Easy to use
• Safe and effective
 
Why is self-care important?
Most musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries and conditions can be treated at home and
will get better without the need for a specialist appointment. getUBetter gives you
the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to improve your MSK health and
lifestyle.
 

What is getUBetter?

getUBetter is a safe and effective way to help you self-manage your injury or
condition at home, work, and on the move.

The app covers a range of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, such as

• Leg
• Neck
• Shoulder
• Elbow
• Wrist
• Hand
• Hip
• Knee
• Ankle
• Foot
• Upper Limb Tendinopathy
• Lower Limb Tendinopathy
• Sprains and strains

What will I get?

• 
  Instant and 24/7 support
  • Easy-to-follow exercises
  • Support to recover, live, and work well
  • Help when waiting
  • Advice on when to seek help
  • Approved by your clinicians
  • Access to local treatments and services
  • Support before and after surgery

What are the next steps?

1. Download the getUBetter app
You can download the app through this link
getuBetter App
2. Create your account, Enter your postcode, select your GP practice, and enter your details to create your
account.
3. Choose your condition
Select your condition and follow your personalised and targeted recovery pathway.
If you need further help getting started, watch our videos or get in touch with one of
our team: contact@getubetter.com

NON NHS WORK

In recent years the demand for "NON-NHS" work has increased significantly. Services reach out to practices as they are a trusted organisation who hold your information and with your consent, can ask this to be shared. 

The current contract held between the Government and GP'S covers medical services to NHS Patients. It is worth noting that not all work doctors are asked to do is paid for by the NHS and many GPs are self-employed. This means they must cover their time and costs - staff, buildings, heating, lighting, etc - in the same way as any small business. The NHS only pays for NHS work, any work outside of the NHS must be funded by other means and this is why fees are charged. Unfortunately as this is considered "private work", this is done at the discretion of the your doctor who will sign a certificate or completes a report, it is a condition of remaining on the Medical Register that they only sign what they know to be true.

Below is a list of some services that fall outside the scope of the NHS and therefore attract charges. Examples include the following:

• Medicals for pre-employment, sports and driving requirements (HGV, PSV etc.)
• Insurance claim forms
• Private sick notes
• Vaccination certificates
• Private prescriptions
• Private referral letters

For further information, please speak to the reception staff. Please all see attached a link to the BMA website who help guide us with these ongoing challenges BMA- Private Work

PASSPORT APPLICATIONS

Please note that we are no longer authorised to sign Passport applications. Signatories must know the applicant in a personal capacity not a professional capacity. Please see Passport application guidance for further details of those who are authorised to sign passport applications. 

We are also unable to provide letters confirming you reside at a certain address and letters to support blue badges. 

Sickness Certificates

You do not require a doctor's sickness certificate for any illness lasting seven days or less. Your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website. We also have copies of the self-certification form at reception, if you do not have access to a printer.

Evidence that you are sick

If you are sick for more than seven days, your employer can ask you to give them some form of medical evidence to support payment of SSP (statutory sick pay).

It is up to your employer to decide whether you are incapable of work. A medical certificate, now called a 'Statement of Fitness for Work’ (see below) from your doctor is strong evidence that you are sick and would normally be accepted, unless there is evidence to prove otherwise.

You could also provide evidence from someone who is not a medical practitioner, e.g. a dentist. Your employer will decide whether or not this evidence is acceptable. If your employer has any doubts, they may still ask for a medical certificate from your GP.

Statement of Fitness for Work - ’Fit Note'

The 'fit note' was introduced on 6 April 2010. With your employer's support, the note will help you return to work sooner by providing more information about the effects of your illness or injury.

For more information see the Direct Gov website (where this information was sourced)