Self-certification period running out, but no fit note

BigBoss

I am currently self-certifying my sick leave from work, but that runs out tomorrow afternoon.

I have been unable to see a doctor (to get a fit note) as of yet, because I had to register with a new one today. (I'd moved house, and didn't know I couldn't keep the same GP).

The doctor's surgery I registered with said that they might be able to backdate the "fit" note starting tomorrow, but they don't know for sure yet.

What should/can I do?

Undervalued

BigBoss wrote: »

I am currently self-certifying my sick leave from work, but that runs out tomorrow afternoon.

I have been unable to see a doctor (to get a fit note) as of yet, because I had to register with a new one today. (I'd moved house, and didn't know I couldn't keep the same GP).

The doctor's surgery I registered with said that they might be able to backdate the "fit" note starting tomorrow, but they don't know for sure yet.

What should/can I do?

Yes it can be backdate providing of course the doctor feels that is medically justified.

Poppie68

Have you been seen by any medical professional during this sickness period or is this sickness a long time issue?
GP's will only usually issue a fit note if you have been seen by a medical professional during the sickness period. You may find your new GP will only issue a fit note from the date of your first consultation with them.

BigBoss

Poppie68 wrote: »

Have you been seen by any medical professional during this sickness period or is this sickness a long time issue?
GP's will only usually issue a fit note if you have been seen by a medical professional during the sickness period. You may find your new GP will only issue a fit note from the date of your first consultation with them.

I haven't been seen by a medical professional because (as I said in my first email) I had no idea I needed to register with a new GP just because I had changed post code.

I have registered with a new GP this morning, and have an appointment booked for next week. They told me they MAY be able to backdate it.

Poppie68

BigBoss wrote: »

I haven't been seen by a medical professional because (as I said in my first email) I had no idea I needed to register with a new GP just because I had changed post code.

I have registered with a new GP this morning, and have an appointment booked for next week. They told me they MAY be able to backdate it.

They have said the GP 'May' be able to backdate as they are unaware of the circumstances or nature of your illness and the ultimate desicion is the GP's.
Fit note's are not allowed to be issued without proof of illness as in been seen or spoken to a medical professional, your illness maybe of the nature that allows a GP to make the desicion to backdate but as you are seeing a new GP that will complicate matters further. All you can do is wait until you have been seen but also be prepared for a sick note to only be dated from the date of your appointment.

tomtontom

Fit notes cannot be backdated where no consultation has taken place. Is it not possible to speak to the GP or practice nurse by phone? Where it is not possible to backdate the GP may write comments on the current note to the effect that in their opinion you were not fit for work from an earlier date - this may be acceptable to an employer for SSP/ OSP purposes.

BigBoss

It looks like I'm just going to have to go back to work tomorrow and try to deal with it. It's very difficult because of the working environment.

Poppie68

BigBoss wrote: »

I haven't been seen by a medical professional because (as I said in my first email) I had no idea I needed to register with a new GP just because I had changed post code.

I have registered with a new GP this morning, and have an appointment booked for next week. They told me they MAY be able to backdate it.

I did note that in your first post but a medical professional could also be an employee of a hospital...doctor or nurse or a paramedic from your local health authority or any local authority, or even your dentist if that applies to your illness..

BigBoss

OK. I have been duly advised that only a GP can issue a fit note.

Poppie68

BigBoss wrote: »

OK. I have been duly advised that only a GP can issue a fit note.

I'm not suggesting a paramedic, nurse or dentist can issue fit notes. If you have been an inpatient in hospital a doctor on the ward can also issue you a fit note though not all will..Gp's are in the main the only one's to issue one.
What i am saying i if you have been seen in A & E walk in centre/emergency doctor by a nurse/doctor or treated by a paramedic a report will be sent to your GP detailing the issue and a GP could decide on that information to issue you a fit note even if you haven't been seen by a medical professional at the GP surgery.

If you have not sought any medical advice for this period of sickness GP's will not usually issue a fit note as this is a legal document and proof of illness for the period you are claiming for is needed. Also your problem is compounded by the fact that you have just registered with a new GP and have yet to see them.

ShadowPuma

My new doctor did backdate my fit note when I moved however the surgery staff wouldn't promise anything - it was a decision for her to make.

They don't know your current condition. They don't want to cause issues by making a promise and then the doctor finding out that you are faking or whatever (which we understand you are not).

Don't go back to work if you are not able to. Go to the appointment and sort it out.