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.
Pharmacy First
Pharmacy First
Pharmacy First is a national NHS service, started in January 2024, to help patients quickly access treatments for seven common minor illnesses. For patients with symptoms of these conditions, we may signpost you to your local pharmacy or arrange a Pharmacy First appointment with your nominated pharmacy. Conditions they can offer prescription medicine for are:
- impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
- infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
- earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
- sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
- sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
- urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16 to 64 years)
- shingles (aged 18 years and over)
If you are not within these age ranges, a pharmacist can still offer advice and support decisions about self care treatment with over the counter medicines, but you may need to see a GP for treatment. You can read more about Pharmacy First and how your pharmacy can help you on the NHS website here.
