- Your Legal Right: 7 Days of Self-Certified Sick Leave
- Can a Private GP Issue a Valid Fit Note?
- Does a Fit Note Have to Include a Diagnosis?
- Backdated Fit Notes: Can They Be Backdated?
- Fit Notes and Sick Pay: What You Should Know
- What Does a OneMedicine Fit Note Include?
- NHS vs Private Fit Notes: At a Glance
- When Might You Need a Fit Note?
- Why Choose OneMedicine?
At OneMedicine, as a Private GP Clinic, we can issue legally valid fit notes (also known as sick notes or Med3 certificates) if you are unwell and unable to work. We offer same-day appointments and issue same-day fit notes promptly following a thorough consultation.
Whether you’re dealing with a short illness, mental health concern, injury recovery, or insurance-related claims — we can help.
Your Legal Right: 7 Days of Self-Certified Sick Leave
By UK law, you are entitled to self-certify your sickness for up to 7 calendar days. During this period:
- You do not need a GP fit note
- You simply inform your employer of your absence
- This applies to both physical and mental health conditions
From day 8 of absence, your employer can legally request a formal fit note from a registered medical professional.
Can a Private GP Issue a Valid Fit Note?
Yes. Fit notes from private GPs are legally valid and widely accepted by employers, provided they:
- Are issued by a GMC-registered doctor
- Follow a proper clinical assessment
- Contain essential information: fitness status, dates, and practitioner details
At OneMedicine:
- Our doctors are all GMC-registered
- We are fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
- Fit notes are available as secure digital PDFs or printed copies
Does a Fit Note Have to Include a Diagnosis?
No — a fit note does not legally have to include a diagnosis.
Many patients prefer not to share the details of their condition. If appropriate, we can issue a note using general terms such as “medical condition” or “unfit for work,” rather than stating a specific diagnosis. This approach is often suitable for sensitive issues and still meets employer requirements.
We will always discuss your preferences with you during the consultation.
Backdated Fit Notes: Can They Be Backdated?
Yes — in certain circumstances, OneMedicine can issue a retrospective fit note. However, backdating is only possible if there is clear evidence that you were unwell during the period in question.
We may request objective evidence such as:
- Hospital or A&E discharge summaries
- Urgent care records
- Previous clinical documentation
- Relevant prescriptions or test results
Without appropriate supporting evidence, we may be unable to issue a retrospective certificate, in line with GMC guidance and professional standards.
Fit Notes and Sick Pay: What You Should Know
Most employers accept private GP fit notes for general sick leave and occupational purposes.
However, for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or government benefits:
- A fit note from an NHS GP may be required, especially for long-term illness
- The DWP and other agencies often rely on NHS-linked documentation
It is advisable to check with your employer or HR team, particularly if you’re applying for SSP or benefits.
What Does a OneMedicine Fit Note Include?
- Confirmation that you are either “not fit for work” or “may be fit with adjustments”
- Duration of the recommended absence
- Date of assessment (and backdating if appropriate)
- Diagnosis only if you choose to include it
- Doctor’s name, GMC number, and OneMedicine clinic details
NHS vs Private Fit Notes: At a Glance
| Fit Note Type | Legally Accepted | Suitable for Sick Pay | Valid for SSP Claims | Same-Day Issued | Retrospective Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Certification (7 Days) | Yes | Yes | No | N/A | Not applicable |
| Private GP (OneMedicine) | Yes | Yes (in most cases) | Sometimes (check) | Yes | Yes (with evidence) |
| NHS GP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Often delayed | Yes |
When Might You Need a Fit Note?
- You’ve been unwell for more than 7 days
- Your employer asks for formal confirmation of illness
- You’re returning to work and need restricted duties or adjustments
- You need medical documentation for travel, insurance, or legal purposes
- You’ve recently attended A&E or been admitted to hospital and need follow-up documentation
Why Choose OneMedicine?
- Same-day GP consultations, online or in person
- Valid fit notes for employers, travel, or insurance (double check)
- GMC-registered doctors
- CQC-regulated private clinic
- Respect for confidentiality — diagnosis included only if you wish
- Retrospective notes considered where evidence supports
- No need to be registered with the NHS or with our clinic long-term
If your 7-day self-certification period has ended — or you need a retrospective or same-day fit note — we’re here to help.
Book your private GP consultation with OneMedicine in Edgbaston, Birmingham, and get the documentation you need, quickly and professionally.
