Other Information

Sick Cetificates

You do not normally need a sickness certificate for the first seven days of your illness. The Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Regulations state that employers are required to accept self-certification notes (filled in by you) for the first seven days of your illness. All employers are required by law to comply with these regulations. If you still need a doctor's certificate during the first seven days of illness, we make a charge of £10 for a private sick certificate. To continue to claim Statutory Sick Pay after the first week of illness you will need a doctor's certificate, which will be provided free of charge. To summarise:

• For the first four days of any illness, you do not require any form of certification.
• For the next three days (including Saturdays and Sundays) you must fill in a self-certification form. This is an SC2 form, available from your employer.
• After the first seven days you will need a doctor's certificate and you will have to see your doctor to obtain a DSS sick note, either a MED3 or MED5.

Fees Payable

Some letters or reports are not covered by the NHS and you may be asked to pay a fee. Please ask Elaine or Lisa for charges which are BMA recommended. Other appropriate private charges are by negotiation. Please allow five days from day of request from GP for private letters to be processed.

New Developments

Branch Surgery
The new branch, Gaumont House Surgery, opened in April 2006.

Automated Arrival System
Patients can now book themselves in without seeing the receptionist by following the instructions on a screen. The instruction is translated in other languages. Patients are advised to read the screen for messages ie appointment could be at the other branch.

Patient Involvement Meeting
This allows patients to meet with surgery staff to discuss improvement of the service. Patients who wish to be a member of the group or be involved should give their name to reception. For more information, contact the practice manager, Vivian Tella.

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