Requests for GP Letter / Medical Certificates / Etc
If you require a letter from the GP please contact the surgery to request, if emailing the practice please ensure your contact details and the information needed is stated in the email request and emailed to the practice at nencicb-tv.middleton-dinsdale@nhs.net.
Forms for GP completion should be handed to a member of the reception team, please ensure that your details and any other information such as travel dates etc have been completed.
Typical fee for completion of a GP letter or form is £25, more complex forms may be higher and urgent requests (required within 7 days) are £50.
Requests can take up to 4 weeks for completion.
On completion of the form you will be contacted to advise it is ready for collection and the fee payable. Fee is payable in cash on collection.
Sickness Certificates
You do not require a doctor's sickness certificate for any illness lasting seven days or less. Your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website.
Evidence that you are sick
If you are sick for more than seven days, your employer can ask you to give them some form of medical evidence to support payment of SSP (statutory sick pay).
It is up to your employer to decide whether you are incapable of work. A medical certificate, now called a 'Statement of Fitness for Work’ (see below) from your doctor is strong evidence that you are sick and would normally be accepted, unless there is evidence to prove otherwise.
You could also provide evidence from someone who is not a medical practitioner, e.g. a dentist. Your employer will decide whether or not this evidence is acceptable. If your employer has any doubts, they may still ask for a medical certificate from your GP.
Statement of Fitness for Work - ’Fit Note'
The 'fit note' was introduced on 6 April 2010. With your employer's support, the note will help you return to work sooner by providing more information about the effects of your illness or injury.
For more information see the DirectGov website (where this information was sourced)
Copying Letters To Patients
Copies of letters concerning you which are sent by your GP to another health professional are available on request.