Fit note

Cassie3

Hello my name is Linda. I have peripheral neuropathy in both feet, diabetic myopathy, etc. I've had to claim for uc I gave them my fit note from my doctor which he signed me off independently, but uc want a end date on the fit note. I went back to my doctor and told him, but he said he wrote independently on it for a reason and he won't put a end date on it, what do I do as I've got to go back to universal credit next week. Thank you 

Ross_Alumni

Hello @Cassie3

Welcome to the online community, it's lovely to see you join us. Thank you for making your first post and telling us about your situation.

This sounds quite inconvenient for you, I imagine you are frustrated by what is happening. Did you explain to your doctor that UC said they needed an end date on it?

Just to check, do you mean to say that your doctor signed you off indefinitely rather than independently?

It might be worth explaining to UC what your doctor has told you to see if they can make an allowance or whether they would absolutely insist on the end date.

Aside from this inconvenience, how have you found the UC process so far?

OverlyAnxious

They probably need an end date to put into the computer system.  Though it's perfectly reasonable to issue a fit note indefinitely, so I'd be a bit surprised if the computer couldn't handle that.

Can I check whether it actually says 'indefinite' or whether it was just left blank?  If it was left blank, that could be causing a problem.

Cassie3

Thankyou for your replys im finding universal credit very stressful,my husband who is also my full time carer as to come with me,the most stressfull thing is that they can see im disabled and i suffer with anxiety,as i said my doctor wont give me a end date on my fit note so i dont know what to do.  

Cassie3

Yes it's indefinitely on the fit note, and thank you for replying 

poppy123456

There was a thread some time ago about UC not accepting an indefinite fit note. You could ask your GP to put an end date for a years time and this should be enough of time before a decision is made on your work capability assessment. Once it's made no further fit notes will be needed anyway, this will apply regardless of what the decision will be.

Cassie3

Thank you x

L_Volunteer

You are welcome @Cassie3. It is the very least you deserve. If we can do anything else to help, please don't hesitate to let us know. We are all here for you 

calcotti

Guidance for people completing a Fit Note
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fit-note-guidance-for-healthcare-professionals/getting-the-most-out-of-the-fit-note-guidance-for-healthcare-professionals#filling-in-the-fit-note

In the first 6 months of a patient’s condition, a fit note can cover a maximum of 3 months. If a condition has lasted longer than 6 months, a fit note can be for any clinically appropriate period up to ‘an indefinite period’.

If your health condition has been long term your GP is entitled to complete the Fit Note as indefinite.

UC guidance

https://data.parliament.uk/DepositedPapers/Files/DEP2022-0452/092-Medical_Evidence_including_fit_notes_V7.0.pdf#page3

Healthcare professionals will issue medical evidence to a claimant (for a clinically appropriate period for the health condition) in accordance with their own professional standards.

Cassie3

Thank you very much for your reply and links, I've got to go to uc this morning without a end date on my fit note, so not sure what will happen, but I will show them the message you kindly sent me. X

Tori_Scope

How did it go this morning @cassie3?

Cassie3

Hi everyone thank you again for your help. I went this morning and I saw a different person and she was very helpful and took my fit notes without a word, I go back Monday afternoon, so she will tell me what happens next x♥️

L_Volunteer

You are welcome @Cassie3. It is the very least you deserve. It sounds like you have had a positive experience. How have things been since? We are here for you if you would like to talk to us about anything or need some support