Sick notes?

[jimmyboy85]

Off to see the GP tomorrow as I need a sick note.

I have a suspected cataract, I wouldn't actually require a sick note for this as I can still work, however, my job involves been out of the country for 3/4 months at a time, and my appointment with the eye specialist happens to be on the day I am supposed to fly out to return to work.

Obviously I will not miss my appointment and I cannot get an earlier one so have been advised by my company that I either need a sick note or I will get a written warning and get taken off pay.

How easy are they to get, and is it likely the GP will give me one? As I could technically still work.

Also if it makes a difference, I will be taking my appointment letter and a copy of the email from my company advising me that I require a sick note, to show to the GP.

Thanks.

[IanA2]

If your GP is reasonable I'm sure you'll get a "fit note" or a letter. Your employer's attitude stinks.

[tim2100]

If the GP is aware of that information, then he may do one without seeing you. Put a call into the surgery.

[jimmyboy85]

Thanks, thats pretty much what I thought.

I've never had any experience of this before so just a bit nervous about what the doc will say (given that I'm actually fit to work so to speak).

[jimmyboy85]

tim2100 said:

If the GP is aware of that information, then he may do one without seeing you. Put a call into the surgery.

Will give that a try first thing, worth a phone call any way. Thanks.

[New POD]

jimmyboy85 said:

Off to see the GP tomorrow as I need a sick note.

I have a suspected cataract, I wouldn't actually require a sick note for this as I can still work, however, my job involves been out of the country for 3/4 months at a time, and my appointment with the eye specialist happens to be on the day I am supposed to fly out to return to work.

Obviously I will not miss my appointment and I cannot get an earlier one so have been advised by my company that I either need a sick note or I will get a written warning and get taken off pay.

How easy are they to get, and is it likely the GP will give me one? As I could technically still work.

Also if it makes a difference, I will be taking my appointment letter and a copy of the email from my company advising me that I require a sick note, to show to the GP.

Thanks.

GP will be very understanding.

[frankenstein62]

Might be being pedantic here, though they are now fitness to work notes. You can either work or you can not work.
Not that it makes much difference most GP's hand them out like smarties these days, it is easier for them.
Might be a different cup of tea if you actually want your GP to diagnose a problem and commission a service.

[jimmyboy85]

frankenstein62 said:

Might be being pedantic here, though they are now fitness to work notes. You can either work or you can not work.
Not that it makes much difference most GP's hand them out like smarties these days, it is easier for them.
Might be a different cup of tea if you actually want your GP to diagnose a problem and commission a service.

I had absolutely no idea what they are now called, as stated previously I have no experience with any of this, however sick note seemed to convey accurately enough the documentation I require. Sorry about that.

I don't really understand what you mean by wanting my GP to diagnose a problem or commission a service?

I am not trying or expecting a doctor to write sick notes/fitness to work notes based on my whims (I have already been referred to an NHS specialist eye clinic for diagnosis and hopefully treatment). In fact quite the opposite, I'm expecting him/her to tell me politely to fk off. Which is why I posed the question in the first place and I am rather worried about the outcome.

Basically I need the note to allow me to see the specialist, who will then tell me if I need a further fitness to work note or not. So yes in that respect I guess I do need to "commission" the doctor to write me a fitness to work note, Which is why I am worried about the outcome.

I understand this is a stupid situation to be in, however if I can obtain a fitness to work note stating I am unfit to work pending an appointment with a specialist then that is the best outcome for me personally and if I do need surgery or something more sinister is discovered then I am already on the sick, so to speak and can take it from there or return to work as appropriate.

[tim2100]

frankenstein62 said:

Might be being pedantic here, though they are now fitness to work notes. You can either work or you can not work.
Not that it makes much difference most GP's hand them out like smarties these days, it is easier for them.
Might be a different cup of tea if you actually want your GP to diagnose a problem and commission a service.

Part of this is the insistence of employers for Doctors notes after 1 week of sickness.

[BlackVanDyke]

jimmyboy85 said:

Off to see the GP tomorrow as I need a sick note.

I have a suspected cataract, I wouldn't actually require a sick note for this as I can still work, however, my job involves been out of the country for 3/4 months at a time, and my appointment with the eye specialist happens to be on the day I am supposed to fly out to return to work.

Obviously I will not miss my appointment and I cannot get an earlier one so have been advised by my company that I either need a sick note or I will get a written warning and get taken off pay.

How easy are they to get, and is it likely the GP will give me one? As I could technically still work.

Also if it makes a difference, I will be taking my appointment letter and a copy of the email from my company advising me that I require a sick note, to show to the GP.

Thanks.

Keep trying for an earlier one - ring every few days, people cancel/reschedule/get brought forward/cark it all the time so they'll often have spaces at fairly short notice.

Agree with the earlier poster, your employer's attitude sucks donkey balls. But most GPs will agree on that point and will do all they can to help, so don't stress too much about that side of things.

[jimmyboy85]

Well that was nice and easy, as every one on here said, the GP was fine and gave me a fitness to work note (or not) to last until after I have seen the specialist and if I need another after, I can just phone up to get one. All very understanding and not at all what I expected.

Guess thats this thread ended

Cheers