Many people assume that an NHS sick note carries more weight or is somehow more legitimate than a private one. This is a common misconception. Here's the truth.
ARE THEY LEGALLY IDENTICAL?
Yes. A fit note is valid if it's issued by a GMC-registered healthcare professional. The NHS or private nature of the provider has no bearing on the legal standing of the note.
UK employment law does not specify that a fit note must come from an NHS doctor, an NHS GP, or any particular type of medical provider. The only requirement is that the issuer is a registered healthcare professional.
WHAT'S ACTUALLY DIFFERENT?
The practical differences between a private online sick note and one from your NHS GP are:
Speed: NHS GP sick notes often take days or weeks to arrange. Dr Sick issues them same day, typically within 2 hours.
Cost: NHS sick notes are free (but may require taking time off work to attend). Dr Sick sick notes start from £29 — but consider the cost of lost income while you wait for an NHS appointment.
Convenience: NHS GP appointments require travel, a waiting room, and often multiple phone calls to book. Dr Sick is entirely online, from your phone or laptop.
Availability: NHS GP services have limited evening and weekend hours. Dr Sick operates 7 days a week.
WHAT ARE EMPLOYERS TOLD?
Your fit note will include your name, the period of absence, a description of your condition, and the issuing doctor's GMC number. It does not say whether the note was issued by an NHS or private doctor.
Most employers never ask whether the note is NHS or private — and many HR managers are unaware there's even a distinction.
ARE THERE ANY SITUATIONS WHERE AN NHS NOTE IS REQUIRED?
For some government benefit claims (such as Employment and Support Allowance), a specific Med 3 form issued by an NHS practitioner may be required. For standard workplace sick leave, a private note is fully acceptable.
Get your same-day private sick note at drsick.co.uk.
