Before requesting a fit note (they used to be known as sick notes) from your doctor, please use a self-certification form from your employer for the first 7 days of your illness. These first 7 days will include days you don’t normally work. If you are still unwell on day 8, then please contact the practice to request a fit note and either your doctor or a senior clinician from the duty/same day team will phone you back. The clinician will talk to you about your symptoms and may ask you to come into the practice for an examination first before creating a fit note for you. If your 8th day of sickness falls on a day the surgery is not open (Saturday, Sunday or a bank holiday) then please contact 111 for advice on your illness. NHS 111 will send a transcription of your contact with them to the surgery which will help your doctor in providing a fit note should you contact the practice later, when the surgery is open again.
For further details please see the government website:
The fit note: guidance for patients and employees – GOV.UK“
Self Certification Sick / Fit Note for less than 7 days
Many employers have their own self-certification forms. If your employer doesn’t have its own form you can download the Self Certification Form. Please print it, fill it in and hand it in to your employer. You do not need to see a Doctor.
If you have to stay at home because of coronavirus and you need a note for your employer, please use the service on the NHS website.
Doctor’s Sick / Fit Note for more than 7 days
If you have been ill for more than 7 days you will need a doctor’s certificate. These certificates are called ‘Fitness To Work’ Certificates.
The doctor may call you or arrange for an appointment.
If you have already been seen by your Doctor about this illness your certificate will be sent to you within a week.
If you have to stay at home because of coronavirus and you need a note for your employer, please use the service on the NHS website.