Test Results

When a patient has a test at a GP practice they should be told verbally, by staff the timeframe within which they can expect to receive their results; we will only contact you if there is cause for concern with a result.

Normally we will contact you via text message/phone call, with instructions on what action to take – this is to make an appointment with your GP to discuss your recent tests.

Please do not be alarmed – it does not necessarily mean it is serious if the result needs a discussion. Please note that we do not routinely inform patients if your result is normal.

If you have not heard within 10 working days and are still worried you can telephone the practice after 2.30pm Monday-Friday; please avoid calling in before this time as you may experience long wait times.

You are also able to view your results once they have been reviewed by a clinician through the NHS App.

Please note that we do have a strict policy regarding confidentiality and data protection. In this respect we will only give out results to the person they relate to unless that person has given written prior permission for their release or if they are not capable of understanding them.

Blood Tests

A blood test is when a sample of blood is taken for testing in a laboratory. Blood tests have a wide range of uses and are one of the most common types of medical test.

For example, a blood test can be used to:

• assess your general state of health
• confirm the presence of a bacterial or viral infection
• see how well certain organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are functioning

A blood test usually involves a phlebotomist taking a blood sample from a blood vessel in your arm. The usual place for a sample is the inside of the elbow or wrist, where the veins are relatively close to the surface. Blood samples from children are most commonly taken from the back of the hand. The child’s hand will be anaesthetised (numbed) with a special cream before the sample is taken.

If your clinician requests a blood test, you will be given a blood test form and required to book your own appointment online. For more information about where you can book, please click here.

Why have I been asked to have a repeat test?

If a doctor asks you to have a repeat test, it is usually because:

• The result was borderline or unclear, and the doctor wants another sample to monitor the situation or to re-check the results.
• The result is abnormal, and the doctor cannot interpret the result without further tests and has asked you to come in for more tests.

Please do not worry if the doctor has asked you for a repeat test.  The doctor will speak to you or request to see you directly if they need to discuss the results.

Sickness Certificates

You do not require a doctor’s sickness certificate for any illness lasting seven days or less. Your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website.

Evidence that you are sick

If you are sick for more than seven days, your employer can ask you to give them some form of medical evidence to support payment of SSP (statutory sick pay).

It is up to your employer to decide whether you are incapable of work. A medical certificate, now called a ‘Statement of Fitness for Work’ (see below) from your doctor is strong evidence that you are sick and would normally be accepted, unless there is evidence to prove otherwise.

You could also provide evidence from someone who is not a medical practitioner, e.g. a dentist. Your employer will decide whether or not this evidence is acceptable. If your employer has any doubts, they may still ask for a medical certificate from your GP.

Statement of Fitness for Work – ’Fit Note’

The ‘fit note’ was introduced on 6 April 2010. With your employer’s support, the note will help you return to work sooner by providing more information about the effects of your illness or injury.

For more information see the DirectGov website (where this information was sourced)

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The NHS provides sickness certification only after seven continuous days of illness. If you need a sick note to cover this period of sickness you should complete a Self-Certification (SC2) form which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website.

Need a sick note after seven continuous days of illness?

Please contact the GP surgery as you normally would for a routine appointment as it may be necessary to arrange to discuss your request with a GP.

Do I need a note saying I’m fit for work?

No. You do not need to see your GP again to be ‘signed back to work’.

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Online Services

Connect to your GP services online and save time. Quick, easy and secure.

If you are registered with our GP surgery, you can access health services online. This means you can do some tasks when it is better for you and avoid telephoning the practice. 

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