Private sick notes & GP fit notes in Preston
Can't get a routine NHS appointment? Following a medical assessment, Dr Faizal Secretary can issue a private sick note or GP fit note where appropriate — by telephone, video or in person. You don't need to be registered with an NHS GP to be seen.
GMC 7606534 Phone, video or in person No NHS registration needed Issued same appointment where appropriate
Every fit note is issued only after an individual clinical assessment, so the advice you receive is tailored to your health and your work circumstances. If your health is affecting your ability to work, a GP assessment can help determine whether you need time away and whether a fit note is appropriate.
Reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary MRCGP · GMC 7606534
When might you need a private sick note?
You don't need to be seriously ill to seek medical advice. If your condition is affecting your ability to work, it's worth arranging an assessment to discuss the most appropriate next steps.
Acute Illness
Viral infections, flu, COVID-19, chest infections or other illnesses that make it difficult to work safely or recover properly.
Mental Health
Stress, anxiety, depression or burnout can affect your ability to carry out your job. A consultation is a chance to discuss your symptoms and the support you may need.
Recovery After Surgery or Injury
Returning to work too soon can delay recovery. A fit note can support the time you need to heal safely.
Ongoing Medical Conditions
Flare-ups of long-term conditions, severe fatigue, chronic pain or other health problems may temporarily prevent you from working.
Workplace Requirements
Most employees can self-certify for the first 7 days of illness. After that, employers may ask for a fit note. Dr Secretary can assess your condition and advise whether one should be issued.
GOV.UK guidance on sick leave →What's the difference between a sick note and a fit note?
Many people still say "sick note," but the official name is now a fit note (a Statement of Fitness for Work). Both terms refer to the same document — "fit note" is simply the name healthcare professionals now use.
A GP fit note does more than confirm you're unwell. It lets the doctor assess whether:
- you're not fit for work, or
- you may be fit for work if your employer can make suitable adjustments — such as amended duties, reduced hours or temporary workplace adaptations.
The aim is to support your recovery while helping you return to work safely when you're ready. If Dr Secretary believes a fit note is appropriate following your assessment, it can be issued during your appointment.
Who can issue a sick note?
A sick note or fit note can only be issued after a medical assessment by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. During your consultation, Dr Secretary will discuss your symptoms, medical history and how your condition is affecting your ability to work. If a fit note is medically justified, it can be provided during the appointment. Private GPs can issue fit notes in the same way as NHS GPs, and they are generally accepted by employers as evidence that you've been assessed by a registered doctor.
Can I get a sick note through a telephone or video consultation?
In many cases, yes. If your symptoms can be assessed safely without a physical examination, Dr Secretary can issue an online sick note following a telephone or video consultation. Some conditions do require a face-to-face examination first — if so, Dr Secretary will explain why and arrange the right appointment. Either way, every decision is based on your clinical assessment, not the type of appointment.
What happens during your appointment?
Booking is simple. If a fit note is clinically appropriate, it can usually be issued during the consultation.
Book Your Appointment
Choose an appointment that suits you — telephone, video consultation or in person.
Discuss Your Symptoms
Dr Secretary will ask about your symptoms, how long you've been unwell, your medical history and how your condition is affecting your ability to work.
Clinical Assessment
Your symptoms are assessed to determine whether a fit note is appropriate. If a physical examination is needed, this will be explained and arranged.
Receive Your Fit Note
If a fit note is medically appropriate, it can usually be issued during your appointment — along with advice on recovery, treatment and any follow-up that may help.
Appointment fees
The cost of your consultation includes a full GP assessment — not simply the issue of a document. If, following your assessment, a private sick note or GP fit note is appropriate, it can usually be provided during the same appointment.
The fit note itself isn't charged separately — it's included in your appointment where clinically appropriate. View the full pricing page →
Time to be heard, not rushed
When you need medical advice quickly, seeing a doctor shouldn't feel rushed. Patients value having enough time to discuss their symptoms, ask questions and understand the advice they're given — and seeing Dr Faizal Secretary directly throughout their care.
- Appointments available by telephone, video or in person
- Prompt access when you need medical advice
- Continuity of care with the same GP
- Private prescriptions, referrals and fit notes where appropriate
- Clear explanations and practical advice
- Convenient evening and Saturday appointments
Meet Dr Faizal Secretary
Dr Faizal Secretary is a GMC-registered GP with extensive experience in NHS general practice and acute medicine. He established My Private Clinic to give patients more convenient access to healthcare, longer appointments and the continuity of seeing the same doctor whenever possible.
"When someone comes to see me, they're usually looking for clear answers and practical advice. Taking the time to listen properly is where good care begins."
Dr Faizal Secretary, MBChB MRCGP · Read the full profile →
Sick notes & fit notes, answered
Can a private GP issue a sick note?
Yes. Following a medical assessment, Dr Faizal Secretary can issue a private sick note or fit note if he believes it is medically appropriate. The decision is always based on your clinical condition rather than your request alone.
Can a private GP give a fit note?
Yes. Private GPs can issue fit notes in the same way as NHS GPs after assessing your symptoms. The fit note will explain whether you are not fit for work or may be able to return with suitable workplace adjustments.
Can I get a sick note privately?
Yes. You do not need to be registered with an NHS GP to book an appointment. If Dr Secretary believes a fit note is justified following your consultation, it can usually be provided during the same appointment.
Can I request a sick note without seeing a doctor?
No. A fit note can only be issued after a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Depending on your symptoms, this may take place by telephone, video consultation or in person.
Can a GP refuse to give you a sick note?
Yes. If, following assessment, your GP believes a fit note is not medically justified, they may decide not to issue one. Their decision will always be based on clinical judgement.
How much is a private sick note?
A fit note isn't charged separately. If one is appropriate following your consultation, it's included as part of your appointment.
How do I get a sick note from a GP?
Book an appointment, discuss your symptoms with Dr Secretary, and undergo a medical assessment. If a fit note is appropriate, it can usually be issued during the same consultation.
How can I get a sick note online?
Many patients can obtain an online sick note through a telephone or video consultation. If your condition can be safely assessed remotely, there is often no need to attend the clinic in person.
What is the difference between a fit note and a sick note?
There isn't one. 'Sick note' is the term most people use, while 'fit note' is the official name for the document issued by a doctor.
How long can a GP issue a sick note for?
The duration depends on your condition and the doctor's assessment. Dr Secretary will recommend a period that reflects your clinical needs and discuss any follow-up that may be required.
Need a private sick note?
If you're unable to work because of illness and need prompt medical advice, Dr Faizal Secretary offers appointments without the long waits often associated with routine NHS services — by telephone, video or in person, with no NHS GP registration required.