Previous Circular Cancelled DSW4/1986

Directors of Social Work

Regional/Islands Council

Dear Director

COMMUNITY SERVICE BY OFFENDERS

REQUIREMENTS FOR MEDICAL CERTIFICATES FROM OFFENDERS WHO FAIL TO ATTEND BECAUSE OF SICKNESS

Summary

1. Circular No SW6/1989 issued on 31 March 1989 enclosed copies of National Objectives and Standards for Community Service by Offenders which at paragraph 6.4.4(a) indicated that discussions were ongoing with the BMA. These discussions are now complete and, therefore, this circular supersedes circular number DSW4/1986 and advises local authorities about the requirement for medical certificates from offenders.

2. Offenders will in future require to produce a medical certificate for every absence from placement due to sickness.

3. a. The offender should be responsible for obtaining a signed certificate from his/her own doctor and should either pay or obtain an account for any necessary fee not exceeding that specified in the fees and allowances payable to doctors in terms of the collaboration arrangements for medical services to local authorities. The present fee for a report by a person’s own doctor is £12.00.

b. The cost of the fee charged for a medical certificate will be refunded to the offender in cases where he/she produces a receipt for the fee and where an account has been obtained payment will be made direct to the doctor. Expenditure incurred in refunding the costs of fees will be eligible for grant and should be included in the normal quarterly claims.

c. Copies of medical certificates should be retained and filed by the CS team until such time as the offender has fulfilled the requirements of the order or until court proceedings for breach of the of the order have been completed.

4. Contact Point

If you have any queries about the contents of this circular, please contact Fiona Kos, Social Work Services Group, Room 13, James Craig Walk, Edinburgh EH1 3BA

(Telephone 0131-244-5440).

Yours faithfully

LESLEY CLARE