Sick (Fit) Notes

When do I need a fit note?

You do not need a doctor’s fit note if you have been off work for 7 days or less (including weekends and bank holidays).

Your employer may ask you to complete a self-certification (SC2) form instead.

You can:

• Request this form from your employer, or

• Download it from the HMRC website

Self- Certification

If you’ve been off sick for more than 7 days

If you are unwell for more than 7 days, your employer may request medical evidence.

This is called a Statement of Fitness for Work (Fit Note or MED3).

A fit note will state either:

• “Not fit for work”, or

• “May be fit for work” (for example, with amended duties or altered hours)

How to request a fit note

All fit note requests must be submitted through our online triage system.

We do not accept fit note requests via reception or email.

✔ Please submit your request on the day your fit note is due
✔ Do not submit requests in advance

When submitting your request, please include:

• The date your illness started

• The date your previous fit note ends (if applicable)

• Details of your condition

• Whether this is a new request or an extension

Our clinical team will review your request and contact you if further information or an appointment is required.

Sick (Fit) Note

Hospital fit notes

If you were treated in hospital and require a fit note, this should be issued by the hospital doctor at the time of discharge. Please contact the hospital team directly if this was not provided.

Further Information

For more guidance on fit notes and Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), please visit:

• NHS guidance on fit notes

• GOV.UK guidance on sick pay