The fit note can help you return to work by looking at what you can do rather than what you can’t. The fit note allows your surgical team to recommend changes to your place, type, and pattern of work. This can help you to return to work sooner than would otherwise be the case.
Your surgical team should provide you with a fit note before you leave the hospital after your operation. They should do this based on the return-to-work plan that you have developed with your return to work co-ordinator. The surgical team should provide you with a fit note that matches your return-to-work plan and date of return to work.
People do not need to be fully fit to be able to return to work.
If you need a further fit note, then this is usually provided by your GP. If you attend the GP for a fit note after surgery, we advise that you take your workbook with you so they can see your return-to-work plan and compare this to your recovery after surgery. This information will help them provide a fit note that matches your needs.
Royal College of Occupational Therapists – Fit Note training Session 1 (17 April 2024)