Request a Sick Note for work
Sick (fit) notes
If you’ve been off sick for more than 7 days you will need to provide a sick note
To request a sick note:
- complete an online consulation via the PATCHS link on our homepage
- phone or visit the Practice and speak to a member of our reception team
If you’ve been off sick for 7 days or less
If you’re off work sick for 7 days or less, your employer should not ask for medical evidence that you’ve been ill. Instead, they can ask you to confirm that you’ve been ill. You can do this by filling in a form yourself when you return to work. We call this self-certification.
Find out more about sick note on the NHS website - When do I need a fit note? - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Sickness of more than seven days
If you are sick and off work for more than seven days, your employer will normally ask you to provide a medical certificate from your GP.
When you need a certificate will also depend on your employer's company policy on sick leave (or sickness absence). This policy should tell you how many days you can be off sick before you need a note.
To find out about your employer's policy:
- ask your team leader or supervisor, or
- speak to someone from your human resources (HR) or personnel department
When you fit note runs out
If your certificate runs out, but you are still sick, you will need to consult the doctor again before you can get a further certificate.
Fit certificates can be back-dated so it is not necessary to make an emergency appointment to renew your certifiate. If you attend an emergency appointment for the purpose of getting a medical certificate you will be asked to rebook.