GP Fees for Non-NHS Services
non_nhs_services

Some services provided fall outside the scope of the NHS and therefore attract charges. Some examples include the following:

  • Medicals for pre-employment, sports and driving requirements (HGV, PSV etc.)
  • Insurance claim forms
  • Confirmation letters for taking medication abroad
  • Private sick notes, including for schools and further education institutions
  • Vaccination certificates

Our reception staff will be happy to advise you about appointment availability and applicable charges.

Non-NHS work FAQs

Some services are not covered by the NHS and we will therefore charge a fee for completion of this work.  The NHS medical care of our patients takes priority during our working day so any private letters or forms can take up to 8 weeks to complete and return to you.  We cannot guarantee they will be completed earlier. 

Why do GPs sometimes charge fees?

The government's contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients including the provision of ongoing medical treatment.  In recent years however more and more organisations have been involving doctors in a whole range of non-medical work.

Sometimes the only reason that GPs are asked is because they are in a postion of trust in the community or because an insurance company or employer wants to ensure that information provided to them is true and accurate. 

Do GPs have to do non-NHS work for their patients?

With certain limited exceptions, for example a GP confirming that one of their patients is not fit for jury service, GPs do not have to carry out non-NHS work on behalf of their patients.

Whilst GPs will always attempt to assist their patients with the completion of forms, for example for insurance purposes, they are not required to do such non-NHS work.

Why does it sometimes take my GP a long time to complete my form?

Time spent completing forms and preparing reports takes the GP away from the medical care of his or her patients.

Most GPs have a very heavy workload and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time, so many GPs find they have to complete this work outside of and in addition to their normal hours.  

I only need the doctor's signature - what is the problem?

When a doctor signs a certificate or completes a report it is a condition of remaining on the Medical Register that they only sign what they know to be true.

In order to complete even the simplest of forms therefore, the doctor might have to check the patient's entire medical record.  Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the doctor with the General Medical Council (the doctors' regulatory body) or even the police.

A list of our current fees is provided below:

Please be aware that this list is not exhaustive. Any service required by patients which is not included in the General Medical Services contract and therefore provided privately may attract a fee. Please ask at Reception if you have any questions.       (Updated 07/01/20)

 
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