I had keyhole surgery 2 weeks ago today for an ovarian cyst. I’m feeling a lot better than I was, but not quite well enough to return to work yet (I work in a nursery so on my feet all day and lots of carrying/lifting!). I rang my GP back end of last week to request a 2 week extension of the fit note I was given from the hospital and was told I couldn’t request a new one until the current one has expired, rang back today and was told by the receptionist that it’s 7-10 days for a new one to be processed but there’s no guarantee the GP will agree to it so I just have to wait and see.
Having never had a fitnote before I’m a bit worried by the procedure! I’m anxious that I’ve not returned to work today but then if my GP refuses to extend my fitnote later on this week or next week I’ll be in trouble and presumably end up with a week unpaid leave.
My husband has private health care through his work that I’m able to access and could book a private GP appointment for tomorrow but apparently the fit notes are different to those given via the NHS and can be declined by an employer.
is it worth going private or should I just hold out and hope my GP agrees to the extension?