A fit note is issued to a patient following an assessment of their fitness for work and is provided after the first seven days of sickness absence as, prior to this, patients can self-certify.
Following an assessment, should the clinician believe that the patient’s health affects their fitness for work, the clinician can decide if the patient is unfit for work or may only be fit for work subject to advice with accompanying notes on suggested adjustments or adaptations to the job role or workplace.
The NHS provides sickness certification only after seven continuous days of illness. If you need a sick note to cover this period of sickness you should complete a Self-Certification (SC2) form which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website.
