Hi I wonder if you could give me some advice please. I have been working for the Council for 9 years in various schools as a Teaching Assistant. I started at a new school in September 2011 but unfortunately had to undergo surgery to remove my left ovary in January 2012. I was signed off sick from the council and returned to work in June 2012 on a phased return. Unfortunately in October 2012 I collapsed and was taken to hospital where I had an infection caused by a mass which had appeared in my stomach. I was referred to a bowel specialist and was told that I needed bowel and stomach surgery due to adhesions to my bowel and a large cyst in my stomach. I have been signed off work since and am undergoing a major operation on 25th February. I have attended sickness review meetings arranged by the Council and at the last meeting was told that due to my continued absence and the pressure I was putting on my work colleagues I would have to be dismissed on medical grounds unless I chose to resign. I was a given a week to make the decision and let the council and school know. As I do not want to resign from my job and cannot afford to do so I requested that I be dismissed on medical grounds and was told that I would receive 9 weeks pay. Since then I have received a letter requesting me to attend a capability hearing with the Governors and Head Teacher of the school I work for. I am weeks away from my operation now and to be honest am stressed about this. I did not think I would have to attend another meeting. In the letter I have been told that I should bring a representative with me but I am not a member of a union and am not allowed to take a family member. I would like support as I am unwell and need someone there to back me up. I do not know what the hearing means or why I am required to have it as I was told to make my decision at the last meeting which I did. Please can you give me some advice. Thank you