Fit note - GP or surgeon?

[TheWildRumpyPumpus]

I’m having surgery in a few weeks and this is something I’ve been pondering! I’ll likely have a 4ish week recovery period when I’m not able to work following a total hysterectomy - will either my GP or surgeon issue a fit note in advance or do I have to request it after 7 days as for unexpected illness?

Surgeon should give to you!

Make sure you leave the hospital with one, it's the surgical team's responsibility and a waste of your GP's time to have to do one for you on their advice

You should leave hospital with one from the surgeon and if you need it extending the GP can do this (in my experience of multiple surgeries).

When I had my last surgery (albeit not a major one but did involve general anaesthetic) before I was discharged I was asked by the surgeon who discharged me if I needed a note writing. I was on maternity leave so it wasn’t necessary but I believe based on that that it will be the surgeon (although not necessarily the one who does your surgery, mine was the one working the day after my surgery) who does the note.

My surgeon gave me two weeks after an ovary removal, and then the GP gave me an extra week via e-consult (several previous c-sections meant it was tougher than a 1st time op there). The surgeon gave me the sick note as part of my leaving paperwork, he asked if I worked and needed one.

Ah brilliant, thanks all for the quick responses!

My DH got his from the surgeon. It was useless though, because he'd had surgery and couldn't possibly go back to work for 3 weeks, possibly 4, and the surgeon gave him 3 days. So @TheWildRumpyPumpus try to make a GP appointment as well, in case you need the note extended.