For Illness of Seven Days' Duration or Less

You are able to self-certify yourself. Your employer may have their own self-certification forms or Form SC2 can be downloaded from the
HM Revenue and Customs Site.   If you are self-employed Form SC1 and further information can be found on the Department of Social Development website.

For Illness over Seven Days' Duration

You need to have been seen by a doctor for a certificate.

If you have been an inpatient in hospital, the hospital is able to provide a note for the expected duration of the illness and recovery period.

If you have already been seen by a doctor, you may not need to see your GP for a sick note. A ‘Med 5’ sick note can be provided on the basis of a written report or discharge summary from the hospital. If you are unsure, please contact us to ask.

Our Policy on Short Term Certification
(Under Seven Days)

The Government decided that the issuing of short term certificates (those for under seven days) were not part of the GP contract. This was when they abolished the need for such certificates for National Insurance purposes.

Such activity places an unnecessary burden on our appointment system from people who want a certificate for a self-limiting illness at the expense of those with a real need to see a doctor.

It is not our job to police the occupational policies laid down by employers. Employers who feel that a medical assessment is part of their approach to the management of short term illness should engage an occupational health doctor on a private basis.