Did you know: 1. Hospital doctors in A&E, clinics and wards can issue fit notes for work. These should cover the duration of expected illness and absence from work. 2. You should self-certify for the first 7 days of any illness. You do not need a fit note prior to this. 3. We cannot backdate a new sick note to cover a time when you did not consult with us or another NHS team. For example, if you have taken 10 days off sick with flu, but only contacted us on day 10. We can only issue the fit note from that 10th day. 4. Fit notes can also be issued “may be fit for work” if you are well enough to work but need a phased return, reduced hours or adaptions. 5. You can return before your fit note expires if you feel well enough. There is no requirement for a staff member to be “signed fit” to work by a doctor. 6. In 2022 guidance was updated - nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists and physiotherapists can legally certify and issue fit notes (according to their training and competency). Previously only GPs or hospital doctors could do this.
Fit notes
Fit notes
You can request a fit note using the prioryCARE form, call us on 01904 404100 or speak to one of the PCNs (receptionists) at our surgeries. Please allow a 5 working day turnaround the the clinical team to review your notes and action the request. We may ask you to arrange a routine appointment to review your fit note if you haven’t seen a member of the clinical team in some time.
Some facts about fit notes:
- Hospital doctors in A&E, clinics and wards can issue fit notes for work. These should cover the duration of expected illness and absence from work.
- You should self-certify for the first 7 days of any illness. You do not need a fit note prior to this.
- We cannot backdate a new sick note to cover a time when you did not consult with us or another NHS team.
For example, if you have taken 10 days off sick with flu, but only contacted us on day 10. We can only issue the fit note from that 10th day. - Fit notes can also be issued “may be fit for work” if you are well enough to work but need a phased return, reduced hours or adaptions.
- You can return before your fit note expires if you feel well enough. There is no requirement for a staff member to be “signed fit” to work by a doctor.
- In 2022 guidance was updated - nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists and physiotherapists can legally certify and issue fit notes (according to their training and competency). Previously only GPs or hospital doctors could do this.
