Bridgnorth Medical Practice

Bridgnorth Medical Practice

Sick Notes & Fit Notes : A Guide for Patients

The regulations under which doctors can issue fit notes have changed. This short guide may help you to understand what the new rules are, and what the doctor can and cannot do with regard to issuing sickness certificates.

This change in regulations is designed to help more people get back to work more quickly. For the first time, it enables doctors to indicate that a person may be partially fit to do their job.

For this reason, the term “fit note” is now used in place of the old “sick note”.

The following guidance notes are available & are intended to provide answers to frequently asked questions concerning the provision of fit notes / sick notes :

          Requesting a fit note / sick note – Do I need an appointment ?

          Short term illness & returning to work.

          The new fit note (Partial sick note).

          Fit notes / sick notes : Longer term illness.

          Fit notes / sick notes : Hospital inpatient & outpatient treatment.

          Fit notes / sick notes : Miscellaneous queries.

For further information, you may wish to consult the Department of Work & Pensions web site at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/fitnote, which includes specific advice for employees and for employers.