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.

If you have already seen a doctor/nurse at the practice regarding the problem (or we have received a letter from the hospital about your sickness) you may not need to speak to the doctor. You can complete a fit note request form online below, which will be passed to the doctor to review. The doctor may email/call you or arrange for an appointment to discuss the certificate further if needed. Alternatively, if you are under the care of a hospital, your certificate may be issued by the hospital, rather than by the practice

If you have not seen a doctor at the practice and we have had no information from a medical professional about your illness, you will not be able to get a certificate without an appointment. Please book a routine triage appointment; Fitness to work certificates can be back-dated so it is not necessary to make an emergency appointment to get your certificate.

There is good evidence that work promotes physical and mental well-being. You may feel that you are fit to do some work, but not the role you are currently employed to do at this time. You should speak with your employer to see if they can consider any changes to your current duties or working hours. Visit fitforwork.org for further practical advice, and information on what your employer legally needs to consider for you.

The GP will determine if ‘you are not fit for work’ or ‘you may be fit for work taking account of advice’ eg currently unable to stand for long periods of time.

Please give your GP as much detail as possible to assist with their decision. You do not need a fit note or doctor’s note to return to work after an illness.

Please allow two working days before collecting from the GP surgery. Please ensure you check your Spam/Junk email folder for any replies. An appointment/reply will be sent back to you via an email.