Request a Letter or a fit note
Fit note
When you need a fit note
You might need a fit note (sometimes called sick note) if you’re unwell and cannot work for more than 7 days, including weekends and bank holidays.
You do not need a fit note if you cannot work for 7 days or less.
A fit note can support you to return to work or stay in work. You can also use your fit note to help you claim benefits or statutory sick pay (SSP).
How to get a fit note
To request a fit note fill out a klinik form
If your employer cannot offer the support advised by a healthcare professional, then the fit note is treated as though it says you’re “not fit for work”.
Going back to work
You should go back to work as soon as you feel able to.
Talk to your employer if you feel well enough to return to work before the end date on your fit note, for example if:
- you’ve recovered from your illness or injury sooner than expected
- your employer can make reasonable adjustments to help you return to work (GOV.UK)
You do not need to see a healthcare professional again to go back to work. Your employer may ask for confirmation that you’re fit for work, but healthcare professionals do not have to provide this.
Depending on your job, you may need to meet other requirements before you can return to work after being ill.
For example, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) rules will apply if you drive a large vehicle like a lorry or bus.
Find out more about driving with a medical condition or disability on GOV.UK
Charges for a fit note
You do not need to pay for a fit note if you’re off sick for more than 7 days.
If your employer asks for evidence for the first 7 days of sickness, a healthcare professional may charge a fee for this. Your employer should pay the fee.
GP Letter
I need a letter from my GP
Our doctors are frequently asked to provide private or ‘To Whom it May Concern’ letters or reports for third parties.
How long will it take
Private letters do not take priority over NHS work and hence may take some time to prepare. Please allow at least two weeks.
What if I need it urgently
In genuinely urgent cases, we ask for a further payment of £5 and we will do our best to meet your deadline; however, we cannot promise this. If you cannot wait, we will refund your fee if the letter has not yet been written.
Charges for GP letters
The preparation of these letters or reports is not covered by the NHS. The doctor must complete them during their own time and as such there is a fee payable. All letters require the doctor to take time to review a patient’s medical records to ensure that the information provided is correct, then the doctor has to dictate the letter, and finally a medical secretary has to type this and send off.
The standard fee for this is £25, which is payable in advance. More complicated letters or reports may attract a higher fee.
| Examples of suitable requests | Example of requests we cannot fulfil |
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If you understand and agree to the above terms and still want the GP to do this, please email your request to wellbn.info@nhs.net FAO Secretary Team
Private Fees
| Report | Special Features | Fee |
| Adoption / Fostering Medical Report & Examination | If Interpreter needed – an hour session: fee doubled | £103 |
| Army Medical Report | £68 | |
| Blue Badge Form | £20 | |
| Buss Pass | No charge | |
| Carers Permit Form | No charge | |
| Private Forms | £45 | |
| Employers/Insurance/Solicitors – for written specific info | NOT for medical records requests | £180/hr |
| General Practice Report iGPR (online) | £200 | |
| Passport application/signing | We cannot complete, Please take to post office | |
| Private Reports | Variable cost depending on time taken to complete | £180 per hour |
| Private Short Letter / Certificate | Urgent Extra £5 | £35 |
| Sicknotes (less than 7 days) | Employer requesting a private sick note (under 7 days) | £30 |
| SMI (Severely Mentally Impaired) Forms | No charge | |
| Taxi Medicals | £120 | |
| TNBI letters | For passports, Gender Recognition Certifcate | No charge |
| Travel Insurance Form | Urgent Extra £5 | £45 |
| Wheelchair form | No charge |