Does a general practice perform sick leave certificate?

A general practice can assess your health and may issue a sick leave certificate when illness affects your ability to work. The certificate depends on a clinical assessment, the information you provide, and the requirements of the organisation receiving it.

The clinician considers your symptoms, examination findings, diagnosis or working diagnosis, job demands, and expected recovery needs. A certificate may describe the period for which you should be away from work or whether adjustments could help you work safely. It is a medical document, not simply an administrative form, so the clinician may not issue one without assessing the relevant health problem.

Bring identification and any workplace instructions about the certificate, including the required dates and recipient. Explain when symptoms began, what duties you cannot manage, and whether you have already missed work. Mention recent consultations, medicines, test results, and any request for modified duties. Ask how the completed document will be sent and whether a follow-up review is needed.

Do not delay urgent treatment while arranging paperwork. Seek emergency care for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, new confusion, heavy bleeding, or a serious injury. Contact the practice promptly if your symptoms worsen, your current certificate is ending while you remain unwell, or you need advice about returning to work safely.

Ask what information the certificate will contain, whether your work duties should be modified, when you should be reviewed, and which warning signs require urgent assessment. Confirm whether another clinician or service must complete a separate workplace form.