Medical exemption certificate renewal

[Kazzyhoward]

Just had a letter saying my medical exemption certificate is due for renewal. It says I have to get the application form signed by my GP. I phoned the GP surgery and after an hour in the queue the receptionist from hell told me they're not doing paperwork like that due to the covid and she didn't know whether the certificate would be extended. Does anyone in the NHS know what to do. The receptionist just suggested I pay, get a receipt and claim back afterwards - is that the official guidance - she didn't sound as if she knew about it.

I was gobsmacked when my letter came through.

I can't get a form signed because my local surgery is closed and I can't get to the main one.

I also can't pay because I use an online surgery and I'm isolating at home, rarely going out due to the meds I'm on.

Looks like the usual lack of joined up thinking

You really would've thought that they'd just do an automatic three month extension to remove any unnecessary trips out to get a form signed by Drs and practice staff who are trying to reduce their contact with potential virus carriers.

Your practice is being really unhelpful. I emailed mine (a fairly grovelly but very grateful email) to ask for the form which they posted to me, I filled it in then posted it back and they stamped and submitted it. I received the new exemption card today. It’s true it’s admin for them, but they were really kind and helpful about it. Possibly helps that I’m in a relatively unaffected area so far.