Transcript Slide 1
Fit-For-Work - Carlisle Ben Barr Specialty Registrar in Public Health NHS Cumbria The problem 450,000 days of sickness absence in Carlisle each year at a cost of £40 million to local employers 430 people progressing from employment to Incapacity Benefits/ ESA each year at a cost of £3.4 million to the treasury Health impact of unemployment: 2 to 3 times increased risk of mental health problems and chronic illness. 20% higher mortality. Only 26% of employees have OH support at work No structured return-to-work support from the NHS What works? Assessment at 2-6 weeks of sickness absence Initiated by employer or health service Return to work plan coordinated between employer, employee and health services Advice Training Psychological and Physiotherapy workplace assessment and modifications Return to work Return to original job Gradual return to work, or modified duties Move to different Job in same organisation Move to different employer Pilot Government is identifying 10 pilot sites for this service Cumbria Strategic Partnership have developed a proposal to be one of the pilot sites 3 GP practices in Carlisle (+West Cumbria & Barrow) Case Managers Specialist Mental Health and Physiotherapy support Specialist Occupational Health support and employer liaison Support focused on those employees without OH service from employer Advice and training for employers and health care workers What it would cost to cover all Carlisle population? Cost ~ £300,000/ year Preventing 22,400 days of sickness absence 300 people from claiming IB/ESA each year Saving £2 million to employers £2.4 million to the treasury Plan Pilot intervention between January 2010March 2011 Support through central government funding if bid successful Identify other funding sources if unsuccessful. Evaluation of impact of pilot on sickness absence, ESA onflow and health indicators. Sustainability following the pilot phase will depend on support from a range of partners, including Employers, the NHS and Local Authorities.