Backdated fit note from GP?

sangie595

LunaLovegood wrote: »

I can promise you I haven't misunderstood- I've been going there for 28 years. This is just what they're like. It's always been at least 2 weeks for an appointment. I did think for something like this there would be an exception but she said there wasn't & that's why they backdate sick notes. I guess the only option now would be asking for an 'emergency' appointment.
It's a very old practice too. Been open almost 50 years I think and never even so much as had a fresh lick of paint. They don't even like prescribing the pill because its against their religion (Catholic GP). They have no information online or anything like that. I have been thinking of changing for a while now- a few years ago I went in after a positive pregnancy test & they just gave me a script for folic acid. No midwife referal, no advice on what to do next. Whole thing was a shambles. Unfortunately that pregnancy did not last but it has been in the back of my mind that I would prefer a more efficient experience next time.

Good grief- you are only thinking about moving??? There is stuff in here that goes against all medical practice and NHS regulations!

LunaLovegood

I suppose I didn't really realise how bad it was- I've been there all my life so don't know any different. I only came on here to ask about my employer accepting the backdate sick note but am quite surprised by the responses regarding the wait times. I've always known 2 weeks to be standard, I was just shocked it was now 4. But as you say, if I am unwell enough to be off work for a period of time then of course I should be being seen by a dr quicker than 4 weeks. And the other things they do as well that I've always just accepted are pretty bad actually- their opinions & beliefs should not effect my medical advice.

London50

LunaLovegood wrote: »

I suppose I didn't really realise how bad it was- I've been there all my life so don't know any different. I only came on here to ask about my employer accepting the backdate sick note but am quite surprised by the responses regarding the wait times. I've always known 2 weeks to be standard, I was just shocked it was now 4. But as you say, if I am unwell enough to be off work for a period of time then of course I should be being seen by a dr quicker than 4 weeks. And the other things they do as well that I've always just accepted are pretty bad actually- their opinions & beliefs should not effect my medical advice.

My partner had the same problem as you {has DVT} and SC for "xyz" days then asked to see the doctor re work fit note and was told 3 week wait to see anyone but I took a letter to the practice requesting a fit note for the interim time and was able to collect it the next day so you could try to see if yours would do the same thing:)

LunaLovegood

Thanks London50. I'm only on day 3 of self cert at the mo so will be next Tuesday before I'm due a line (Monday being the bank holiday) so I'll ring Tuesday morning and ask for an emergency/urgent appointment & failing that say I need something for the interim period until my appointment on 16th.

Torry_Quine

It would be irresponsible of any GP to give a backdated fit note when they hadn't seen the patient prior to this.

LunaLovegood

That's what I thought too. Although I know myself that I can't be in work right now- how would he know that I hadn't been fit for work in the past when he hadn't seen me? Doesn't make any sense.

IAmWales

Urgent appointments are for urgent health needs, not for sick notes. If you can get a cancellation make it clear it's for the pain you are experiencing.

If steroid creams don't work for you ask about Elidel. In some areas you'll need a consultant to prescribe it for you, it's expensive, but it can be far more effective, and is safe to use on the face. (Not advice, just a suggestion!)

comeandgo

In my practice, if I request to see a certain doctor I could wait a week or so but if I just call in and ask for an appointment I will see one of the doctors. Could another doctor in the practice have an appointment time a bit earlier for you?

sangie595

LunaLovegood wrote: »

I suppose I didn't really realise how bad it was- I've been there all my life so don't know any different. I only came on here to ask about my employer accepting the backdate sick note but am quite surprised by the responses regarding the wait times. I've always known 2 weeks to be standard, I was just shocked it was now 4. But as you say, if I am unwell enough to be off work for a period of time then of course I should be being seen by a dr quicker than 4 weeks. And the other things they do as well that I've always just accepted are pretty bad actually- their opinions & beliefs should not effect my medical advice.

Unless you are making a special request such as seeing a particular doctor or only at a particular time, and I'm fairly sure that this breaches NHS requirements for GP's. As far as I am aware, GP commissioning procedures require GP's to see someone who is sick within two working days. I find it hard to believe that the doctors are running this practice for the benefit of sick people rather than their own convenience. I know that not all GP practices are that good, but where I am, you are either seen or, if appropriate, get a telephone appointment on the day you call in, provided that is before 8:30am. You can also get appointments with one of two nurse practitioners who can issue medication and fit notes. Even two weeks is unacceptable unless you really are being picky about an appointment. What happens if you are seriously sick???

tizerbelle

LunaLovegood wrote: »

Thanks London50. I'm only on day 3 of self cert at the mo so will be next Tuesday before I'm due a line (Monday being the bank holiday) so I'll ring Tuesday morning and ask for an emergency/urgent appointment & failing that say I need something for the interim period until my appointment on 16th.

Bank holidays have no relevance to self-certifying. You can self-cert for 7 calendar days (not 5 working days as some interpret it). If Monday is the 8th day, your fit note (whenever you manage to get it) needs to cover Monday as well.