Private sick note in London: get a valid fit note from a GP the same day, no wait
A private sick note is just as legally valid as an NHS one, and your employer cannot refuse it. Most people do not know that. They assume a fit note only counts if it comes from an NHS GP, so they wait days for an appointment they do not need to wait for. If you are unwell and need documentation for work, a registered private GP can assess you and issue a fit note today. By the end of this article you will know exactly how the process works, what your employer can and cannot ask for, and what to expect at the appointment so there are no surprises.
What is a private sick note and will your employer accept it?
Your employer must accept a fit note signed by any registered GP, whether that GP works privately or on the NHS. A sick note from a private doctor is not a second-tier document. It is the same form, carries the same legal weight, and is recognised by the same organisations: your employer, HMRC, and the Department for Work and Pensions. The official name for a sick note is a Statement of Fitness for Work. It tells your employer either that you are not well enough to work, or that you can return to work only if certain changes are made, such as reduced hours or lighter duties. Your GP decides which option applies based on your assessment.
If your employer ever questions whether a private fit note is valid, you can point them to the GOV.UK fit note guidance, which confirms there is no legal difference between a private and an NHS issued note.
Who is allowed to write a sick note?
Only a doctor or other registered healthcare professional who has actually assessed you can write a fit note. That assessment must happen in a proper consultation, face to face or by video. A sick note cannot be issued over the phone without a clinical assessment taking place. At LIPS Healthcare, every appointment is with a fully qualified, GMC registered GP. Your fit note will show the doctor's name, GMC number, the clinic name, and the Battersea Power Station address. Those are the details your employer or HR team may want to check, and they will all be on the document you receive.
What happens at the appointment: a step by step guide
A private sick note appointment at LIPS is a focused consultation, not a long general check up. Here is exactly what to expect so there are no surprises.
When you arrive, the GP will ask you to describe how you are feeling in your own words. They will ask how long you have been unwell, how it is affecting your daily life, and how it is stopping you from doing your job. They may ask a few follow-up questions and do a brief check if needed. You do not need to bring any letters, referrals, or old medical records. If you have them, bring them along as they can be useful, but they are not required.
The GP will then decide, based on what they hear and see, whether your situation supports issuing a fit note. If it does, they complete it during the same appointment. The note will state the period it covers and whether you are signed off completely or able to return with adjustments. You leave the clinic with it the same day.
Your notes from that appointment are saved in your LIPS patient record. If you need your sick note extended or have a follow up, the GP will already have the background from your first visit, so you will not need to start from scratch.
LIPS Healthcare is at Battersea Power Station, London SW8. Easy to reach from Chelsea, Clapham, Vauxhall, Pimlico, and Wandsworth via the Northern line, Overground, or bus.
Private sick note vs NHS sick note: is there actually a difference?
The document is the same. The legal status is the same. The only difference is how quickly you can get one. An NHS sick note is free if you are registered with a GP and can get an appointment. The problem is that NHS appointments in London can take several days or longer, and if your employer needs paperwork now, waiting is not always an option. A private sick note means you can book for today, see a qualified GP, and have your fit note in hand before the working day is over. There is a fee for the consultation, but there is no waiting list and no referral needed.
How much does a private sick note cost in London?
A private sick note at LIPS Healthcare is included as part of your GP consultation fee. There is no separate charge for the document itself. Visit lips.org.uk/gp-access or call the clinic for current pricing, as fees are confirmed when you book.
The consultation fee covers the GP's time to assess you properly and produce a document that is medically sound and legally accepted. If you need anything else at the same visit, such as a prescription or a referral, the GP will let you know the cost before anything is added. Nothing is charged without your agreement.
Frequently asked questions (FAQS)
Yes. Any GMC-registered private GP can write a legally valid fit note in the UK after assessing you. It is accepted by employers, HMRC, and the DWP.
Yes. The law does not distinguish between private and NHS fit notes. If a registered doctor signed it after assessing you, your employer cannot refuse it.
Same day. At LIPS Healthcare, Battersea Power Station, same-day appointments are available. You book, see the GP, and leave with your fit note in one visit.
No. You can book as a new patient with no prior registration. The GP will assess you at your first appointment and issue the fit note if appropriate.
Yes. GPs at LIPS assess all conditions, including stress, anxiety, and depression. If your condition is affecting your ability to work, the GP can issue a fit note that reflects that.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are unsure whether your symptoms need urgent attention, call 111. For emergencies, call 999.
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