Is a private fit note legally valid for my employer?

Yes. A fitness for work statement from a GMC-registered private doctor carries the same legal weight as one from an NHS GP for the purposes of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and employment law.

Can you backdate a fitness for work statement?

A doctor can only backdate a certificate if there is clear medical evidence of your illness covering that period (such as previous hospital records or a prior consultation). We cannot issue a certificate for a period where no medical contact was made.

Will you talk to my boss for me?

No. Our contract of confidentiality is with you. We provide the written statement, which you then share with your employer. If your employer requires a more complex 'Company Medical Report,' this can be arranged with your explicit written consent as a separate service.

What if my employer refuses to make the suggested adjustments?

While an employer is not legally 'forced' to follow a GP's suggestions, they have a duty under the Equality Act to make 'reasonable adjustments.' If they cannot accommodate the suggestions, the certificate typically defaults to 'Not Fit for Work' until such time as you are recovered enough to return to your original duties.

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Private Fitness for Work Statements and Medical Certificates

Navigating health issues while maintaining a professional career requires a balanced approach that prioritises recovery without compromising long-term employment. At Kinvara Private Hospital, we offer Private Fitness for Work Statements (formerly known as 'fit notes' or 'sick notes') for patients who require a formal medical assessment of their capacity to work. Unlike the standard, brief interactions often found in primary care, our 30-minute consultations with Dr. Lucian Ghergus provide the time necessary to understand the physical and psychological demands of your specific role. Whether you are recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or dealing with work-related stress, we provide an objective, professional clinical opinion that supports both your health and your professional standing.

Medically Reviewed By

Mr Vasu Karri, Medical Director • Updated 2026-01-25

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A 'fitness for work' assessment is more than just a piece of paper; it is a clinical document that can facilitate a safer and more sustainable return to the workplace. Many employers and HR departments value the detail provided by a private medical certificate, as it often includes specific guidance on 'reasonable adjustments' - such as altered hours, modified duties, or ergonomic changes - that a standard fit note might omit. Our service is particularly beneficial for professionals in high-responsibility roles or those whose conditions require a nuanced management plan. Dr. Ghergus evaluates your functional capacity against your job description, ensuring that any recommendations made are practical, evidence-based, and focused on preventing further injury or burnout. We provide the professional bridge between your medical recovery and your professional responsibilities.

The Consultation and Clinical Review

During your 30-minute appointment, Dr. Ghergus will review your medical history and any recent specialist reports or test results. A physical examination may be conducted if your work capacity is limited by physical injury or mobility issues. We encourage you to bring your job description or a list of your core responsibilities to the session, as this helps us tailor the recommendations to your actual working life.

Following the assessment, Dr. Ghergus will discuss his findings with you. If he deems you 'Not Fit for Work,' he will issue a certificate stating the recommended period of absence. If he deems you 'Fit for Work with Adjustments,' he will detail the specific changes required (e.g., 'no heavy lifting for 4 weeks' or 'maximum 4-hour shifts for the first fortnight'). This document is issued directly to you, and you maintain full control over its distribution to your employer.

Professional Capacity Assessments

The core of a fitness for work consultation is the 'Functional Assessment.' This involves a detailed discussion about your day-to-day tasks - whether they involve heavy lifting, prolonged screen time, complex decision-making, or travel. Dr. Ghergus examines how your current symptoms - such as pain levels, fatigue, or cognitive 'brain fog' - interact with these specific duties. This allows us to move beyond a binary 'fit' or 'not fit' label and instead offer a more sophisticated 'maybe fit' with specific caveats.

Our goal is to provide a document that empowers both you and your employer. By detailing exactly what you *can* do, as well as what you should avoid, we help prevent the common mistake of returning to full duties too early and suffering a relapse. For those managing mental health concerns like stress or anxiety, we provide a supportive environment to discuss how your work environment may be impacting your wellbeing. We look at the 'holistic' picture, ensuring that your fitness for work statement aligns with your overall treatment plan and long-term health goals.

Benefits

30-minute dedicated consultation to fully evaluate your work-life health balance
Highly detailed medical certificates that include specific workplace adjustment advice
Objective, independent clinical opinions suitable for HR and Occupational Health reviews
Rapid access to appointments, often avoiding the need to wait for your regular GP
Professional coordination with your existing private treatment plans at Kinvara

Why Seek a Private Medical Certificate?

Patients often choose Kinvara for their fitness for work documentation because of the speed and depth of the service. In many cases, an employer may require a more detailed explanation of a condition than a standard NHS fit note provides. Private certificates allow for a personalised narrative that explains the expected duration of recovery and the clinical reasoning behind suggested adjustments. Furthermore, if you are already receiving private treatment at our hospital for a surgical or musculoskeletal issue, it makes clinical sense for the doctor who understands your case to provide your work documentation.

We also see patients who feel that their current workplace demands are detrimental to their recovery. In these instances, an independent medical opinion can serve as an objective 'third-party' assessment. This can be vital for HR discussions, ensuring that your health is treated with the seriousness it deserves and that your return to work is managed according to best-practice clinical guidelines.

Supporting Your Return to Productivity

Conservative Management

Most fitness for work statements focus on conservative management through 'phased returns.' This might involve starting with two days a week and gradually increasing, or working from home to avoid the physical strain of a commute. We also provide advice on ergonomic setup and 'pacing' strategies - breaking tasks into smaller chunks to manage fatigue. These small, medically-led changes are often the key to a successful and permanent return to work.

Surgical Options

If your fitness for work is impacted by a condition requiring surgical intervention - such as a hernia or joint issue - we can facilitate an immediate internal referral to our consultant surgeons. In these cases, your fitness for work statement will be tailored to the pre-operative and post-operative phases of your care, ensuring your employer understands the necessary recovery timelines associated with private surgical treatment.

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