Group representing physicians in Manitoba renew calls to end sick notes

Have you ever gone to work sick because it was too much of a hassle to get a sick note? According to research from Doctors Manitoba, you’re not alone.

Roughly 71 per cent of workers say they’d rather go in than get a sick note, with 87 per cent of Manitobans saying they’re in support of eliminating them altogether. 

“People should be able to take a day off if they’re not feeling well and not have to expect to go see a doctor,” said one Winnipegger CityNews spoke to.

Another Winnipegger said, “On a day-to-day basis I think it’s a waste of money, a waste of time for people, and a waste for the organization.”

With their research showing overwhelming support from Manitobans, Doctors Manitoba is calling for the elimination of sick notes for short-term absences… saying it’s putting a burden on the health-care system, taking over 36 thousand hours of physician time per year.

“Eliminating sick notes would free up to 300,000 appointments per year which is the equivalent of adding over 50 doctors overnight,” said Dr. Randy Guzman, the president of Doctors Manitoba.

Last year, the Canadian Medical Association called for an end to sick note requirements by companies for employees with short-term minor illnesses, saying they burden physicians with unnecessary administrative tasks.

Family doctor, Afra Rafique, says there’s a significant need for doctors in our province but worries eliminating sick notes could negatively affect patients.

“I think there need to be something else, a new process, a new replacement to sick notes but you can’t eliminate them totally because I feel that would leave the patients vulnerable,” Dr. Afra Rafique, a family doctor with the Medigroup Health Centre & Pharmacy.

Doctors Manitoba also highlighted that 95 per cent of business owners and managers are in support of the elimination or limits to sick notes.

“Our research shows that sick notes really aren’t very effective to verify or manage sick time away from work,” said Dr. Guzman.

-With files from the Canadian Press