Fit Note Backdate

DarknessIntoPower

Is it possible for a GP to backdate a fit note?

I've been off since Monday with mental health issues, my doctor was supposed to call me this week but didn't as he was not in. He's not in til the end of next week now so I booked the first available appointment.

I've been treated by him for this for about a year, however this is the first time I've taken time off work because of it. I'm on the psychiatry waiting lists having already undergone talking therapies with the NHS and private. 

I'm not sure what to do, I'm really worried in case I lose my job or something as Monday will be the date I need the sick note from, but there are no appointments available until Thursday.

yksi

I have seen a doctor flat out refuse in the waiting room. I can't say that it is impossible, but even with a patient hysterically crying in distress they wouldn't do it. Have you tried speaking to your workplace to explain that you haven't been able to get your appointment yet but that you will have a fit note as soon as you do?

DarknessIntoPower

yksi said:

I have seen a doctor flat out refuse in the waiting room. I can't say that it is impossible, but even with a patient hysterically crying in distress they wouldn't do it. Have you tried speaking to your workplace to explain that you haven't been able to get your appointment yet but that you will have a fit note as soon as you do?

I did speak to them and they said I'll need it if taking over a week off. I advised them of appointment dates but they didn't say anything else.

TELLIT01

If you have been seeing the GP they may be willing to backdate as you had requested an appointment but none were available.  If you haven't had contact with your GP recently they should not backdate the certificate as they don't know your history over that period.  If they won't backdate your employer may require you to take the additional days as leave.

[Deleted User]

I had a nice GP do it once. I did know them quite well though. 

eamon

You can self cert for 7 days, so that will take care of wc 19/10/2020. As it is another week before your GP is back at work you now have an issue to solve. If you are still in no fit state to return to work then tomorrow 25/10/2020 get on the phone explain your situation. Assuming that the GP is part of multi GP practice and your  case records are reasonably upto date it shouldn't be an issue for any other GP to issue a Fit Note.

Diamandis

My gp backdates for up to 3 weeks. It will depends on the practice but if you've been under his care for ongoing things then it's definitely worth asking. 

oh_really

The GP has discretion to issue retrospective fit notes.

MovingForwards

Have you looked at your Drs website as a load have updated how to access various services from them.
Mine allow people to request fit note requests via email.