Digital isolation notes

Isolation notes were introduced early on in the pandemic to help people with symptoms of COVID-19, to provide evidence to their employer of being advised to self isolate due to coronavirus.  The isolation note is sent electronically preventing the need for people to visit or contact their GP.  

We were key in developing the online service specification for the isolation note, working collaboratively with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS Digital.  As commissioners of the service, we oversaw the development and delivery of the platform. 

Over 1.2 million people have now downloaded and used an online isolation note, which specifies that those with symptoms should stay at home.  

The notes are accessible through the NHS website and NHS 111 online. After answering a few questions, an isolation note is emailed to the user. If they don’t have an email address, they can have the note sent to a trusted family member or friend, or directly to their employer. The service can also be used to generate an isolation note on behalf of someone else.