Information for employers
Employees receive the letter by email and share it with you.
Check a letter is genuine
Verification runs on the website of Dr Sick, which operates this service.
Verify a letter (opens Dr Sick's website)What the letter is
A private doctor's letter, also called a private medical certificate. A UK GMC-registered doctor issues it after reviewing an online medical questionnaire. It is not an NHS fit note and is not issued by a GP surgery.
What it can cover
- Sick leave dates the doctor considers appropriate
- A phased return or reduced hours
- Altered duties or workplace adjustments
- Up to 6 weeks per letter
Your policy decides
Your organisation decides what evidence it accepts and how to act on it. The letter gives a doctor's view; it does not oblige you to accept it.