"(or possibly a note from your GP)"

[Odessa Dawn]

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"If you say that your son or daughter was ill, you’ll probably be asked for precise details about the illness (or possibly a note from your GP) to make sure their absence was genuine."
More: BBC - Schools Parents - Is your child playing truant from school?

Is "GP" a doctor who is responsible for checking up families at home by giving them prescriptions?

PS: I ask you this question since I haven't dealt with such a doctor in my life.

Also, we have your which means that we refer to a specific person.

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Thank you,
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[Chicken Sandwich]

Is "GP" a doctor who is responsible for checking up families at home by giving them prescriptions?

***** NOT A TEACHER *****

Not necessarily. Take a look here.

 

[emsr2d2]

GP = General Practitioner.

It's basically a doctor who works in a standard surgery. These days, they very rarely make house calls (they don't come to your home). If you work for a company which insists on a doctor's certificate when you're off sick, then you have to visit your doctor when you are sick and request a certificate. It will give the details of your illness and how many days your doctor recommends you stay away from work. If your doctor doesn't think you are ill enough to miss work, you won't get a certificate. With many companies, if you don't get that certificate, you won't get paid anything.

In the UK, if you want medical treatment (non-emergency), you register at your local surgery with a specific doctor. That's why the piece says "your GP".