Sick notes

More Than 7 Days: Requesting a Fit Note

If you are sick and unable to work for more than 7 consecutive days, your employer can legally ask for medical evidence. This is when you require a Fit Note from a healthcare professional.

• How to request one: Please submit an online triage form to request, select "I have an admin or routine care request" Select an option - Accurx Patient Portal 

If you cannot complete the form, please contact reception who will help complete on your behalf.

• Do I need to see a doctor? Not always. Depending on your illness, a nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or pharmacist at our practice may be able to issue your note. If a clinician has already seen you regarding this illness, they may be able to issue a note without needing to see you again.

• Backdating: If you have been sick for more than 7 days, your Fit Note can be backdated to the day your self-certification ended. There is no need to book an emergency, same-day appointment just to get a note signed on a specific date.

• We can only extend sick notes and fit notes on the day which they run out. Please do not contact us earlier to extend.

If you require a Fit Note for Universal Credit, you will need an appointment to discuss this with the Doctor first. 

7 Days or Less: You Must "Self-Certify"

If you have been off work sick for 7 calendar days or less, you do not need a Fit Note from a doctor.

By UK law, you can self-certify your illness. 

• How to count the days: You must count every day in a row you have been unwell, including weekends, bank holidays, and days you do not normally work.

• What you need to do: When you return to work, your employer will ask you to fill out a self-certification form.

• Where to get the form: Many employers have their own internal forms. If yours does not, you can download and fill in the official HMRC SC2 Employee’s Statement of Sickness form online.

• Please note: Our GPs and clinicians cannot issue NHS Fit Notes for the first 7 days of sickness.

For more info on sick notes, please click the link below:

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/getting-a-fit-note/