Private Fit Notes & Sick Notes Surbiton | Same Day Issue

What is a Fit Note (Sick Note)?

A fit note, officially called a "Statement of Fitness for Work", is a legal document issued by a doctor to certify that a patient is unable to work or may be able to work with certain adjustments due to illness or injury.

It replaced the old "sick note" system in 2010. This document is crucial for employers to verify genuine illness and for employees to claim statutory sick pay (SSP). All private medical certificates Surbiton issued by our GMC-registered GPs are legally valid.

Same Day Issue

Book your appointment online and receive your fit note the same day. No waiting weeks for NHS appointments. Perfect for urgent work absence verification.

Backdating Available

Where clinically appropriate, our GPs can backdate fit notes to cover periods of genuine illness when you couldn't attend immediately.

Legally Valid

Your employer must accept private fit notes. It is illegal for them to refuse private fit notes or demand NHS certificates instead.

Digital & Physical Copies

Receive your fit note as a PDF via email immediately, plus a physical copy. Quick submission to your employer.

When Do You Need a Fit Note?

You need a fit note if you've been off work sick for more than 7 consecutive days (including weekends and bank holidays). For the first 7 days, you can "self-certify" your illness to your employer - you don't need a doctor's note.

After 7 days, your employer can legally require a fit note to continue paying statutory sick pay. Some employers may have stricter policies and require medical evidence earlier, so always check your company's sickness policy.

Common Reasons for Fit Notes

Acute illness: Flu, severe colds, COVID-19, gastroenteritis, infections
Injury: Fractures, sprains, post-operative recovery, accidents
Mental health: Stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, PTSD
Chronic condition flare-ups: Asthma, arthritis, back pain, migraines

Post-hospital discharge: Recovery after admission or surgery
Pregnancy-related illness: Hyperemesis, complications, severe morning sickness
Musculoskeletal problems: Back pain, repetitive strain injury, sciatica
Cardiovascular issues: Hypertension, chest infections, heart problems

"Not Fit for Work" vs "May Be Fit for Work"

"Not Fit for Work"

This means the doctor recommends complete absence from work during the specified period due to your medical condition. This is appropriate when working would harm your health or recovery, or when you're physically or mentally unable to perform any work duties.

"May Be Fit for Work"

This means you might be able to work if certain adjustments are made. The doctor can suggest modifications such as:

Phased return to work: Gradually increasing hours over several weeks
Altered working hours: Starting later, finishing earlier, or different shift patterns
Amended duties: Temporarily avoiding certain tasks (e.g., heavy lifting, climbing, driving)
Workplace adaptations: Ergonomic adjustments, working from home, modified workstation

Your employer must seriously consider these recommendations, though they're not legally obliged to implement them. If adjustments cannot be made, the "may be fit" note functions as "not fit for work".

Private Fit Notes vs NHS Fit Notes

Private Fit Notes (Lambert Medical)

✓ Same day appointments available
✓ No waiting weeks for GP availability
✓ Convenient evening and weekend slots
✓ Immediate certificate issue
✓ Professional, experienced assessment
✓ Equally legally valid
✓ Cost: £100

NHS Fit Notes

✓ Free of charge
✗ May wait days or weeks for appointment
✗ Limited appointment availability
✗ Telephone assessments common
✗ May need to collect certificate later
✓ Equally legally valid

Your Employer Must Accept Private Fit Notes

It is a legal requirement that employers accept fit notes from any GMC-registered medical practitioner, whether NHS or private. Your employer cannot refuse a private fit note, demand an NHS one instead, or discriminate against you for using private medical certificates.

Fit Note Pricing

Fit Note Consultation

£100

Includes consultation, assessment & certificate issue

Same day appointment
GMC-registered GP consultation
Clinical assessment
Fit note issued immediately
Digital PDF + physical copy
Backdating where appropriate
15-20 minute appointment

Book Your Fit Note Appointment

Payment by card, cash, or bank transfer. Receipts provided for reimbursement.

Fit Note FAQs

Yes, fit notes can be backdated within the doctor's clinical judgement. If you've been genuinely unwell but couldn't see a doctor immediately, we can backdate your fit note to cover the period of illness. However, this must be clinically appropriate - we cannot fabricate past illness.

A fit note can be issued for any period the doctor deems medically appropriate. There's no maximum or minimum duration. Typically, initial fit notes are for 1-2 weeks for acute conditions. For longer-term conditions, doctors may issue fit notes for several weeks or months.

Yes, absolutely. It is a legal requirement that employers accept fit notes from any GMC-registered doctor, whether NHS or private. Your employer cannot refuse a private fit note or demand an NHS certificate instead.

We offer same day appointments, often within a few hours of booking. Your fit note is issued immediately at the end of your consultation - you'll receive a PDF via email and a physical copy.

Bring photo ID (passport or driving licence), any relevant medical records or hospital discharge letters, and your current medication list. This helps our GP provide an accurate assessment.

For more information about all our medical certificates, visit our medical certificates Surbiton main page.

What Our Patients Say

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Same day appointments. Immediate issue. Legally valid for SSP.

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Private Fit Notes & Sick Notes in Surbiton