Legally, a doctor is required to issue a statement of incapacity for work due to illness if the illness lasts for more than 7 days (including Sundays). This means that you do not need to get a sick note from the surgery if you are unfit for work for 7 days or less.

If you have less than 7 days off work, you can self certify your sickness absence by completing form SC2 obtained from your employer, or SC1 (for self-employed), obtained from the DSS/Tax Office.

If you are unwell for more than 7 days and your employer requires you to provide a sick note then you will need to make an appointment to see a doctor at the surgery, except when we have written documentation from a hospital letter confirming the reason for your absence from work. If you are unable to get to the surgery for whatever reason please phone the surgery and leave a message for one of the doctors to give you a phone call at home.