The NHS provides most health services to people free of charge, but there are some exceptions.

For example:

Prescription charges have existed since 1951

Holiday Cancellation Forms

Reports required by the DVLA

Insurance Claim Forms

Please note that a fee listed does not mean that the Practice is obliged to carry out this work, it will depend on the current capacity within the service.

Do not expect your GP to process forms overnight.

NHS work MUST always take priority over private work, so there may be times that we do not have capacity to provide non NHS services. 

WE DO NOT DO THE FOLLOWING:

"Fit to"… e.g.: fly, skydive, undertake sports, stand trial

Sponsor forms

Power of Attorney

Occupational Health

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) Forms

Countersign documents e.g. passports

THIS LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE

NON-NHS WORK

 When patients require non-NHS services a Private Fee will be payable. Click here for details.

In general, fees must be paid in full before any private work is carried out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

 Surely GPs are already being paid so why are fees charged?

GPs are not employed by the NHS, they are self-employed and have to cover their costs (staff, buildings, heating, lighting etc.) in the same way as any other small business.

In recent years, more and more organisations have been involving doctors in a wide range of non-NHS work. This work is not funded by the NHS, so GPs have to charge a fee to cover their time and related expenses.

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

With certain limited exceptions, your Doctor does not have to carry out non-NHS work.

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

Time spent doing this takes GPs away from the medical care of their patients. Our GPs have a heavy workload and duties relating to direct patient care will always be prioritised over extra private work.

 I only need a signature, why is there an issue?

A doctor can only sign what they know to be true, so in order to complete even the simplest of forms, the doctor might have to read a patient's entire medical record.

 What will I be charged?

The British Medical Association (BMA – the professional association for doctors) provides a list of suggested fees for guidance purposes.  All GP Practices will have different costs and overheads to consider. Doctors are not obliged to charge these suggested rates, and the cost of each service will reflect the amount of work and time involved.

 How long does the surgery need for the completion of reports, forms and letters?

We ask for 4 weeks’ notice although we do try and complete them sooner. Where a patient has an urgent request, this should always be explained to the Patient Support Team who will note the urgency. BUT it may not always be possible to process a request faster since any clinically urgent work will always take precedent.

 Why is there sometimes a charge after a road traffic accident?

Under the Road Traffic Act (1988), the first doctor providing emergency treatment to the victim of a road traffic accident is entitled to charge a fee. A fee may be levied for each person treated [as per Section 158(2) of the Road Traffic Act (1988)].

 What can I do to help my GP?

Not all documents need a signature by a doctor, for example passport applications. You can ask another person in a position of trust to sign these documents free of charge.