Doctors at a medical clinic in Pemberton are handing out letters instead of sick notes, asking employers to stop requiring sick notes and wasting peopleB次元官网网址檚 time.
Local resident Becca Moriarty, 26, posted a photo of the letter to her Facebook page this week, after going in to get a sick note for her boss.
The letter says a policy requiring a sick note for missed time puts an "added burden" on the healthcare system, taking up resources that could be used on people are who actually ill.
"People seeking sick notes B次元官网网址� who otherwise wouldnB次元官网网址檛 see a doctor B次元官网网址� end up in physiciansB次元官网网址� offices, walk-in clinics and emergency department waiting rooms,B次元官网网址� it says. "There, they may spread germs to pregnant women, frail elderly people, cancer patients and babies B次元官网网址� all of whom are vulnerable to communicable disease.B次元官网网址�
It also says the doctors find it difficult to charge someone for a requirement from their employer, since sick notes arenB次元官网网址檛 insured by MSP, and gives the employer a warning: continue to require medical notes and be prepared to receive a $50 invoice for each one.
B次元官网网址淎s Canadian residents, we are lucky to have our healthcare system, but citizensB次元官网网址� inability to access the systems services in a timely fashion is a growing problem,B次元官网网址� the letter says. "I hope you will consider changing your current absenteeism policy to help reduce the unnecessary burden on our health-care system and improve access for all British Columbians.B次元官网网址�
When she handed the letter to her boss, she said the reaction was B次元官网网址渃omplete confusion."
Moriarty B次元官网网址� who works in the food industry B次元官网网址� added she sees both sides to the issue of sick notes.
"I understand the employer needs to know, but that comes down to: weB次元官网网址檙e adults, this isnB次元官网网址檛 school anymore, I donB次元官网网址檛 need a note from my mom saying IB次元官网网址檓 not going to be at school,B次元官网网址� she said, adding sheB次元官网网址檇 much rather be at work making money than sick at home.
A person who answered the phone at the clinic said the doctors do not wish to be interviewed.
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