Practice Nurse

Our Practice Nurse Sister Dympna Baillie, provides advice on all aspects of health and Illness, with a focus on preventative health care.

Appointments may be made to see Sister Baillie for:

• asthma checks
• diabetic checks
• family planning advice
• cervical smears
• new patient registration
• travel advice
• smoking cessation
• blood pressure monitoring
• routine blood tests

Please contact our reception staff to make an appointment with Sister Baillie.  

Non-NHS Services  

The GPs may be able to carry out private medical examinations (e.g. for insurance, LGV/PSV licence, employment etc).

Please speak to reception staff for further information on how to arrange this type of appointment and the potential costs you may be charged for these services.  

Fit to Work?

You do not require a doctor's sickness certificate for any illness lasting seven days or less. Your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website.

Download our sickness certificate request form

Evidence that you are sick

If you are sick for more than seven days, your employer can ask you to give them some form of medical evidence to support payment of SSP (statutory sick pay).

It is up to your employer to decide whether you are incapable of work. A medical certificate, now called a 'Statement of Fitness for Work’ (see below) from your doctor is strong evidence that you are sick and would normally be accepted, unless there is evidence to prove otherwise.

You could also provide evidence from someone who is not a medical practitioner, e.g. a dentist. Your employer will decide whether or not this evidence is acceptable. If your employer has any doubts, they may still ask for a medical certificate from your GP.

Statement of Fitness for Work - ’Fit Note'

The 'fit note' was introduced on 6 April 2010. With your employer's support, the note will help you return to work sooner by providing more information about the effects of your illness or injury.

For more information see the DirectGov website (where this information was sourced)