Sick and Fit Notes
If a health condition affects your ability to work, you may need a fit note, sometimes called a sick note.
Need help making a request? Call 01366 310301 or speak to reception during opening hours.
Off work for 7 days or less?
You do not usually need a fit note for the first 7 calendar days of sickness absence. This includes weekends, bank holidays and days you do not normally work.
Instead, you can confirm your sickness absence yourself. This is called self-certification.
Ask your employer how to do this. They may have their own form or absence reporting process.
Off work for more than 7 days?
If your illness affects your ability to work for more than 7 calendar days, you may need a fit note for your employer.
You can request one:
- Through our online consultation service.
- By calling 01366 310301.
- By speaking to reception.
We are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6:30pm, excluding bank holidays.
What to include in your request
Please tell us:
- The health condition affecting your ability to work.
- When your sickness absence started.
- What your job involves and how your condition affects it.
- Whether this is your first fit note or an extension.
- When your current fit note ends, if you have one.
- Whether you have recently received hospital or specialist treatment.
A clinician will assess your request. They may need to speak with you or review information about your care before deciding whether a fit note is appropriate.
Submitting a request does not automatically mean a fit note will be issued.
Extending an existing fit note
If you remain unwell and need an extension, contact us and include the end date of your current note.
A further assessment may be needed. The clinician will decide the appropriate period to cover.
If there is a delay obtaining your note, let your employer know.
After hospital treatment
If a hospital team is treating you and advises that you need time away from work, ask them to provide a fit note covering the expected recovery period.
Where possible, discuss this before you leave hospital.
Returning to work
A fit note may say that you are:
- Not fit for work, or
- May be fit for work with support or changes to your duties.
Suggested changes might include different hours, amended duties or a gradual return.
Discuss these recommendations with your employer. You can usually return before your fit note ends if you feel able and your employer agrees. You do not normally need another note confirming that you are fit to return.
Is there a charge?
An NHS fit note is free when you have been off sick for more than 7 days.
If your employer requests medical evidence for the first 7 days, a private certificate may involve a charge. Your employer should cover this cost. Please contact us to discuss whether we can provide it.
More information
Read the NHS guidance on getting a fit note.