To not see my works doctor who want to override my specialist sick note?

[Thea44]

I've been off sick for 2 months after really major surgery. My gp has certified me sick for another month.

My work are being very pushy, the nurse rings me and gives me ridiculous advice about my symptoms which are clearly related to my serious health condition and surgery, like "maybe you're dehydrated".

They have now said I need to see the company doctor. If he says I'm fit to come back I have to return or they stop my pay.

Can they overrule my gp and specialist like this? Do I have to go? I've seen them bully people back to work before. I'm likely to be back in the next few weeks anyway once I'm safe to be there.

Another one here that has only had positive interactions with Occ Health. First time I hit an absence trigger due to ocular migraines (I couldn’t see, so couldn’t drive to get there and wouldn’t have been able to do anything if I could get there). Occ Health nurse told my boss to back off and that there was nothing I could do to prevent them.
second time was after a stillbirth. I went back too soon after it as I thought I needed to get “back to normal”. Occ Health went to town on my boss with all the laws they were actually breaking and told me that I needed at least 3 months to process my grief.

We regularly refer staff to our occupational health provider and I’ve never had an employee complain about the recommendations - generally, they’ve helped both parties.

Even if you see them you can insist on seeing any report before it is shared and, if you then feel strongly, refer to consent to it being shared with your employer.

Maybe I am being naive, but surely the company doctor would be risking their licence to falsely declare you fit for work?

My understanding is that sick notes are legal documents and cannot be overridden, but as pp have said your employer may be looking at how to support your eventual return to work. Stay strong, get good advice, and don't be intimidated into an early return

A quick search on whether sick notes are legal documents showed this:

You may have already done so, but having a look online may help you get clear on your rights, and if possible get someone to go with you, or certainly take notes or ask for a summary of what has been discussed. Good luck!