Non-NHS Services
Some services provided are not covered under our contract with the NHS and therefore attract charges. Examples include the following:
- Medicals for pre-employment, sports and driving requirements (HGV, PSV etc.)
- Insurance claim forms
The fees charged are based on the British Medical Association (BMA) suggested scales and our reception staff will be happy to advise you about them along with appointment availability.
Requesting a Letter from Your Doctor
Our GPs often receive requests for private letters or reports for various reasons. Please be aware that a standard letter incurs a minimum charge of £50, and more complex requests may cost more.
Why a Fee? These letters are not covered by the NHS. Our doctors complete them outside of their NHS work hours, requiring a fee. The process involves reviewing your medical records for accuracy, dictating the letter, and administrative staff typing and printing it.
Alternatively: You can have full online access to your medical records online, free of charge via the NHS app.
Turnaround Time: Please allow up to 28 days for private letters and reports, as NHS work takes priority.
Letter Content: We cannot fulfill requests for specific wording that you require. Your GP will provide information based on your medical record. The content will be final, and changes cannot be requested. The GP reserves the right to refuse a request or suggest alternative wording.
If you insist on dictating the letter's content, we will decline your request. Please remember that writing these letters is not an NHS requirement, and the GP is not obligated to fulfill your request.
Appropriate and Inappropriate Requests: We aim to assist you. Here are some examples:
- Appropriate: Fitness to travel/holiday cancellation, confirmation of medical conditions/medication (possibly a summary printout), letters for mitigating circumstances (school, university, employers, courts, etc.).
- Inappropriate: Confirmation of address, ID, or residence (we cannot verify this), countersigning passport applications, letters for Council/housing (specialist teams can access relevant records), letters stating information not in your medical record.
Benefit Claim Letters: For benefit claims, guidance on the website below may be more effective than a GP letter, as appeals rely on comprehensive evidence. Benefit organizations will contact us directly if they need specific medical information.
Useful resource: https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/
How to Request: All letter requests must be submitted in writing, clearly stating:
- a) The reason for the letter. b) To whom it should be addressed.
Please use our e-consult to submit a request