Trailblazing service is helping patients return to work with ease

A pioneering NHS service is helping people across Wakefield return to work safely. Led by Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, the service is the first of its kind outside frailty care to enable Occupational Therapists (OTs) to assess patients and issue fit notes, a task traditionally carried out by GPs.

Launched in 2022 with just a single Occupational Therapist, the service has expanded rapidly thanks to strong patient outcomes and rising demand. It now provides specialist Vocational Rehabilitation across three additional Wakefield Primary Care Networks, supporting 16 GP practices and easing pressure on overstretched GP teams.

The MY Therapy Vocational Rehabilitation service brings together physiotherapists, dietitians, and support staff who are trained to support both physical and mental health, with much of the rehabilitation patients need being delivered within the service itself. The team work directly with patients to understand their physical and mental health needs, carry out detailed assessments, and develop practical, personalised plans that support a safe and confident return to work. This includes phased return-to-work plans, guidance on reasonable adjustments, “may be fit” notes, and support for people who remain in work but are struggling with their health.

Brent Kilmurray, Chief Executive at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, said:

This is multidisciplinary working at its very best, delivering real, measurable benefits for patients. By understanding each person’s unique circumstances our Occupational Therapists are achieving outstanding results, and we are incredibly proud of the difference they are making.

Joe Brunwin, Head of Policy and Practice at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, added:

It's fantastic to see occupational therapy driving innovation in primary care. The Wakefield service shows the difference OTs can make when they’re empowered to use their full expertise, helping people stay well, remain independent, and return to work with confidence by looking at their health, environment and job demands.

OT-led vocational rehabilitation can be transformative, and this model demonstrates how embedding OTs within multidisciplinary teams can reduce pressure on GPs while delivering better outcomes for people and the local community.

This service has led to reduced onward referrals, shorter waiting times, and ensures people receive consistent, joined-up care. The approach is already helping many people with disabilities and long-term conditions stay well, stay independent, and stay in work.

Dr Colin Speers, GP and Medical Director for Integrated Community Services at Wakefield District Health and Care Partnership, said:

This pilot has become an essential part of how the surgery works. As the largest OT-led vocational rehabilitation service within a Primary Care Network in England, it provides specialist support to Wakefield patients and most importantly, it ensures people receive the right help to recover and return to work.