Fit Note
Fit notes can only be issued when they are due, although they can be back dated, they cannot be future dated. Please do not request emergency appointments for a Fit Note.
If you are off work due to a Hospital admission, a Fit Note can be issued by the Hospital to cover the period of time you were in the Hospital. However, once discharged, the surgery should be able to issue a Fit Note based on your Hospital discharge letter (however, this is at GP’s discretion). If you think this is your situation, please contact surgery for further support or advice.
Self-Certificate
If you have been sick for more than four days in a row, but less than seven, you can self–certify your illness using a SC2 form. You can obtain this form from your employer or the HMRC website.
Employee’s statement of sickness to claim Statutory Sick Pay – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Self-certification certificate
More than seven days off sick
If you’re off work sick for more than seven days your employer will normally ask for a Fit Note from your GP or Hospital Doctor.
How to count sick days
When you work out the number of days that you have been sick, you need to count all the days in a row you have been sick, including days you do not normally work such as weekends and bank holidays.
Statement of Fitness for Work (Fit Note)
The Doctor will provide you with a Fit Note if you are still not well enough to work. Your employer will most likely request this statement as evidence to support payment of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
Further information is available at the Direct.Gov website.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) : How to claim – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
When do I need a Fit Note?
The NHS Information website provides further details about Sick or Fit Notes.
When do I need a fit note?
When do I need a fit note? – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Private Certificates
If you or your employer require further information concerning your period(s) of illness, you will need a GP letter. Unfortunately, this is classed as ‘private work’ and a charge will apply for this service. For further information, please contact surgery for further information.