This is the draft of the new look fit note that the DWP has piloted in a few surgeries and hoping would be in use by April 2010.

They would replace both the current MED3 and MED5. Another significant difference is the option of fitness for some work and phased return. I have done these on the present forms at times but looks like this would become more prevalent now. The DWP''s exhibition stand at the RCGP conference handed out these drafts.

Those of us that are finishing in August 2009 should have received the forms from RCGP/PMETB. If you want to save £25 then post them by Monday, 30th March. The fee is going up to £805 wef April 2009. I just can't afford to pay it now after the AKT and CSA fee and will be paying the extra. Those who can afford, go for it now !

Those that have yet to get their VTR forms signed off, should get them done pretty soon. Forms can be found here

I did not realise how much I relied on the internet everyday to help my consultations until last week when all of a sudden our practice lost the internet for 2 days ( apparently due to a router failure). I missed being able to print off patient info leaflets, looking up clinical websites for reference. So I thought I'd list the websites that I open up in various tabs as soon as I log on to my computer. Ofcourse, I use Safari as my browser for tab browsing.. I think IE 7 supports tab browsing but I haven't seen many computers at work with IE 7.

1. gpnotebook - This has to be my favourite. Hats off to the guys who run this. Apart from the Oxford Handbook of GP I do not think there is any other reference point better than this. The good thing is that not only does it track your searches ( thus you can add them as a proof of reading in your eportfolio), it now also offers you the option to add topics as your PUNs and DENs. What more can you ask for?

2. patient.co.uk - extremely useful site for printing off leaflets for patients. I think Mentor on EMIS uses the same database.

3. dermnet - This is a New Zealand based website, but in my opinion this offers one of the better reference points for Dermatology, especially pictures. Makes it easy for patients to understand their condition as well. It was also recently recommended by a GPsWI in Dermatology during one of our teaching sessions.

4. Clinical Evidence - This is a paid site (for BMA members as well). Having said that my surgery subscribes to it and hence I can use it at work for free. Very useful for the latest EBM, though many topics are not covered. I have to admit, I do not use this everyday.

5. Cricinfo - This has got nothing to do with my consultations, but one needs to keep some sanity in between consultation. I sometimes peep in to check the score while waiting for the patient to come in. I am sure everybody has something or the other like this...facebook, bbc, etc.