NHS Lothian text communication

Please see this update from NHS Lothian regarding communication you may receive from hospital. Instead of a letter, you may now be given a text with a link to click

Sick/Fit Note

Sick notes can only be issued when they are due (after a period of 7 days illness) and cannot be future dated. Normally these take around 48 hours to process (longer at the weekends). If this is your first line you will need to speak with a Clinician first. Please collect your sick note at reception after 48 hours
( excluding weekends ).

Sick/Fit Note request form

Please complete this form to tell us about your illness and we will direct you to the most appropriate form or service.


Sick / Fit Note Request with Intelligence
Is this your first sick / fit note for this illness?

First Sick / Fit Note

How long have you been ill (including holidays and weekends)?

If you have been sick for more than four days in a row, but less than seven, you can self–certify your illness using a SC2 form available online from HMRC.

Many employers have their own self-certification forms. You do not need to see a Doctor.

Requesting an additional Sick / Fit Note

If you have already had a Note for this illness your Doctor may not need to see you to issue an additional Note. Please complete this form. We will contact you if more information is needed, otherwise please collect your sick line after 48 hours from the practice.

Are you self-isolating because you, or someone you live with, has symptoms of coronavirus?

Isolation Note from 111

Please check the NHS guidance on self-isolating here www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/.

You can get an isolation note from 111 online to give to your employer. You do not need a sick note from the surgery.

Doctor’s Sick / Fit Note for more than 7 days

If you have been ill for more than 7 days you will need a doctor’s certificate. These certificates are called ‘Fitness To Work’ Certificates.

The surgery may call you for more information.

If you have already been seen by your Doctor about this illness your certificate will be sent to you within a week.

Please complete the form below.

Your details

Enter Email
Confirm Email
Please use format day/month/year e.g. 12/05/1979

Your Illness

You should specify your full period of illness including weekends and holidays, not just days off work.
Describe your illness and why you need a Sick / Fit Note.

Privacy Policy

This form collects your name, date of birth, email, other personal information and medical details. This is to confirm you are registered with the practice, to allow the practice team to contact you and also to update your medical records. Please read our Privacy Policy to discover how we protect and manage your submitted data.

If you are off work due to a Hospital admission, a Sick Note can be issued by the Hospital to cover the period of time you were in the Hospital. Once discharged, your GP can issue a Sick Note, based on your Hospital discharge letter. If you think this is your situation, our Reception Team will assist you.

Please note a Sick or Fit Note can be backdated; please discuss this when you speak to your GP. Emergency or urgent appointments should not be used to request Sick / Fit notes.

Self-Certificate

If you have been sick for more than four days in a row, but less than seven, you can self–certify your illness using a SC2 form below. If you are unwell for more than seven days you are advised to contact the surgery to assess your fitness to work.

How to count sick days

When you work out the number of days that you’ve been sick, you need to count all the days in a row you’ve been sick, including days you don’t normally work such as weekends and bank holidays.

Further information is available at the Direct.Gov website.

When do I need a Fit Note?

The NHS Information website provides further details about Sick or Fit Notes.

Private Certificates

If you or your employer require further information concerning your period(s) of illness , then your Doctor may require to issue you with a letter. Please note that a charge may apply for this service. Please check with our Reception Desk.