Fighting my GP every month to get a fit note for work to be able to get my sick pay
Stroke affected my speech but I still have to ring. Paralysed on right side, housebound, can’t walk 20 metres but the GP insist I get the 3-4 miles round trip to collect a fit note from them. Even though I’ve provided them a SAE.
Have to ring them every time, even though I absolutely struggle to speak
Therapists tell me not to move GP because of ongoing therapy and hospital appointments
Incredibly frustrating
Have written to them numerous times explaining problems but GP not listening
Advice?
We are housebound, I was also bed bound when first I arrived home from hospital two years ago.
The doctors receptionist is forever summoning me to an appointment in the surgery.
I simply do not attend explaining that a practice nurse must come to us.
A few days ago an actual doctor turned up on our doorstep to examine me. That is the first time I’ve seen a doctor in the two years since leaving the hospital.
We have had to be very firm insisting that the effects of stroke have left me immobilised. We now get a practise nurse visit to deal with most things.
A stroke is not a short term ailment, it is a long term condition, you should be dealt with accordingly.
There are a number of bodies who might be able to help you with methods of dealing with what is a very difficult time.
Receptionists, being the first line are very, thick skinned and will try to not give an inch. Avoid being abusive, try to firmly say what needs to be said, though I realise your condition will make things all the more problematic.
I f you could get someone to speak on your behalf the message might eventually penetrate.
Stress the problems you face and they must recognise that they will have to make allowances.
Thanks. I’ve had the occupational therapist, social link prescriber, and my daughter ring the GP surgery and got nowhere. I’ve written to them since I can’t speak well. I’ve rung to speak to receptionists and the doctors secretaries to try and get someone to listen and they just don’t care.
I’ve just written to PALS to raise a complaint
If I can’t get a fit note by 15th, it won’t be considered by work for sick pay this month. That means I’ll lose my sole source of income, so I’m hoping they get their act together
This is appalling
… and I’m waiting for a doctor’s note to claim for a grant to continue my physio sessions. Still, your urgency is much greater, I really think it’s a disgrace how you’re (not) being seen to with your fit note. Good luck, Roland
@soulbanshee what a palaver for you. I assume you aren’t able to request a fit note online and they can’t send one via text? Thats how I did mine & it took the stress out of it a little. GPs are able to isdue a note for up to 3 months so perhaps request a longer note if you can. Might help a little.
This is shocking, I was initially only given a 2-week sick notice by the hospital but I was advised to speak with my GP and request the longest period note they could give me, which was 3 months. My SA advisor offered to intervene if I didn’t have any luck but I was fortunate, and they have since never queried my requests including sick notes to cover any phased return to work. I do hope your GP see’s sense, I don’t really understand how they can be querying your fitness to work, so perhaps you need to seek another opinion.
I was in hospital due to the stroke, five times between November 2023 and Match 2024, and it was even almost impossible to get discharged from hospital with a sick note. Several times, I asked and re-asked for one, and had to ask my GP for one. It’s been a complete battle n- even harder than regaining my speech and use of my right side again.
It shouldn’t have to be this hard!
The local Citizens Advice is hard to get hold of except by phone and I’m not good on the phone with my speech. I don’t know of any local stroke support groups. I’ll have a word with the Occupational Therapist next time she calls to see me
I would write to the practice manager to make a formal complaint. If your stroke was more than 6 months ago you should remind them you are legally considered to be disabled under the Equality Act 2010 and you are formally asking them to make reasonable adjustments to meet your needs due to your disability. This includes making adjustments due to your speech and mobility impairments. You can also ask them if their surgery has implemented the use of the reasonable adjustments flag on their record system, and if so to include the adjustments you need - home visits.
You will be surprised by just how many people out there do actually understand and will slow down/take time with you and give you the time you need to get your words out
Don’t forget, they can’t see your Aphasia, its not like a broken leg, so they won’t know unless you tell them.
Write down everything that needs to be discussed prior to seeing people like doctors, and take it with you.
You can do this on paper/smartphone/ipad whatever and have it handy as a reminder of all that needs to be discussed or to show a person whenever your words fail you.
Have the words “I’ve had a stroke and have Aphasia so struggle with my speech, but I understand perfectly” (if you do). Put that as the top line. This should instantly alert the person to take time and be patient with you. You can test this on your gp’s receptionist, if they don’t adjust to your needs then they’ve failed, because gp receptionist should all be trained in how to treat their patients appropriately.
If over the phone, open with “I have Aphasia and struggle with speech…” and go on from there. Get into the habit of always opening any conversation with those words, outside of those who know. More often than not it helps, you’d be surprised how patient and understanding strangers can be. Sometimes I’ve had people offer to write things down for me lest I forget
You’ve still got a tongue in your head, you’ve just got to learn to use it to your advantage
