Question

A 52-year-old receptionist attends her GP with a 10-day history of low back pain after gardening. She is finding it difficult to sit for long periods at work. She asks for a sick note to cover the last 10 days of absence. According to UK guidance on fit notes, what should you do?

Accepted Answer

Explain that a fit note is only required after 7 calendar days; you can issue a note now covering the period from day 8 onwards

Answer

Refuse to issue any fit note as the illness is minor

Answer

Backdate a fit note to day 1 of her symptoms to cover all 10 days

Answer

Advise that employers, not clinicians, issue fit notes

Answer

Tell her to obtain a fit note from A&E instead

Practice question

A 52-year-old receptionist attends her GP with a 10-day history of low back pain after gardening. She is finding it difficult to sit for long periods at work. She asks for a sick note to cover the last 10 days of absence. According to UK guidance on fit notes, what should you do?