Sick Notes

Sick Notes, Fit Notes and Self-Certification

If you are off work because of illness, your employer may ask you for evidence of your sickness absence.

For the first 7 calendar days of sickness, including weekends and bank holidays, you do not need a fit note from the practice. You can self-certify your absence during this period.

If you are off work for more than 7 calendar days, your employer may ask you for a fit note. A fit note is also sometimes called a sick note or Statement of Fitness for Work.

If your employer asks for a note before 7 days

If your employer insists on medical evidence during the first 7 days, this is not covered by normal NHS fit note arrangements and a private fee will apply.

If you have been off work for 7 days or less

You do not need a fit note from the practice if you have been off sick for 7 calendar days or less.

You should self-certify your sickness absence using a self-certification form. You can get this from your employer or download the form online.

 

Download a self-certificate form here
Self certify
Sick Note

If you have been off work for more than 7 days

If you have been off sick for more than 7 calendar days, you may need a fit note.

A fit note can only be issued after an appropriate assessment by a healthcare professional. This may be based on a consultation, telephone assessment, video assessment, or written information from another healthcare professional.

At Eastfield Medical Practice, fit notes may be issued by an appropriate clinician, such as a GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner.

Please do not use urgent or emergency appointments solely to request a fit note. Fit notes can usually be backdated where clinically appropriate, so a routine appointment or request is normally suitable.

Book a routine (non-urgent) appointment

Requesting an extension to an existing fit note

If your illness continues beyond the period covered by your current fit note, you can request an extension online.

A clinician will review your request. If further information or a consultation is needed, the practice will contact you.

Please request your extension in good time, but do not worry if your fit note has recently expired. Fit notes can usually be backdated where clinically appropriate.

 

Request an extension to an existing fit note

Hospital admissions and discharge

If your absence from work was due to a hospital admission, the hospital should usually issue a fit note to cover the period of your admission.

Please discuss this with the hospital.

 

Hospital

Important Notes

  • Fit notes are not normally needed for the first 7 calendar days of sickness.
  • Fit notes can usually be backdated where clinically appropriate.
  • Urgent appointments should not be used solely for fit note requests.
  • If your employer needs workplace advice, adjustments or return-to-work planning, this should usually be discussed between you and your employer.
  • A fit note may say that you are not fit for work or that you may be fit for work with adjustments.
Page last reviewed: 07 May 2026
Page created: 20 November 2023