Information Sheet for Patients
Do you need a doctor's certificate in the the first seven days of an illness?
No, illnesses which last less than one week are usually minor and self limiting and
you may not require a visit to a doctor. It can be difficult for your doctor to judge
whether or not you are incapable of reporting for work in this situation and all the
certificate really indicates is that you attended the surgery on a specific date
complaining that you had a minor illness. In general, the Departments of Health and
Social Security, employers, doctors, and patients do not recommend that you attend
your doctor for sickness certification alone. Your GP is required to issue a
certificate only if your absence from work through sickness lasts more than seven
days.
What do you need?
For the FIRST FOUR DAYS of any illness you do not require any form
of certification. (It is for you to decide if you are fit to work).
For the NEXT THREE DAYS (including Saturdays and Sundays) you
must fill in a self certification form, (SC2 which is available from your employer).
After the FIRST SEVEN DAYS you will need a doctor's certificate and
will have to attend the doctor.to get a Department of Social Security sick note
either a 'Med 3' or 'Med 5'.
What are private sick notes and do you need one?
Some employers or insurance schemes will ask you to provide a private sick note. The doctors will charge you a fee to provide you with a 'sick note'. Sick notes are usually not necessary for the first week of any illness.
Further Information: For the latest information on this condition and support or self help Groups call the Health Information Service on 0800 665544
