How do you get signed off?

[Fortgeloveofsleep]

If you need to be signed off work, how do you approach it with the GP? Do you directly ask or do you wait for them to suggest it?

Our GP practice has an admin category of e-consult. I went through that, and got my note the same day.

Just ask the GP directly, don't bother wasting your whole 7 min appt beating around the bush.

I’ve been signed off twice. First time I told the GP I needed time off and they agreed and did the note. Second time I was all over the place and rambled and cried and the GP suggested doing a sick note. Both times I did have the option of how long I wanted the note to last for.

Hi @Fortgeloveofsleep i ask directly and i say how long i think i will need off sick.

Either via the website/e-consult or phone them directly. I think it's something a receptionist can pass along to be actioned. State what's wrong, how long you think you need off etc

Thank you everyone, really helpful to know it's not unreasonable to suggest how long you might need as well. As @GiraffeDoor said, I'd really rather be upfront straight away and not waste their time when all I need is time.

You can self cert for first 7 days then call GP and you can inform receptionist you will need 2 weeks or whatever off work. The onus is on you to say what you need.

I was wondering this, I need surgery soon and obviously will need time off work but do I just ask my GP to do a note? I assume the hospital don't do that?

@mistermagpie the hospital give sick notes, I work on a surgical ward