Please note that referrals into the private sector may mean you have to pay for private treatment, tests or prescriptions that may not be available on the NHS.  Sometimes, you may be issued a private prescription.  If you wish for this to be converted into a NHS prescription, we require a minimum of a 48 hour turnaround.  Please be aware that not all prescriptions are available privately are available on the NHS. 

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
• Prescriptions for taking medication abroad
• Private sick notes
• Vaccination certificates

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.

Why do GPs charge fees?  Isn't the NHS supposed to be free?

The NHS provides most health care to most people free of charge, but there are exceptions, for example prescriptions charges, and there are a number of other services for which fees are charged. This is because the service is not covered by the NHS, for example medical reports for insurance companies, claim forms for referral to private care and other letters and forms which require the GP to review the patients medical record.

Surely the GP is paid anyway?

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 small business. The NHS pays the doctor for specific NHS work but for non- NHS work the fee has to cover the GPs costs.

What is covered by the NHS and what is not?

The government's contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients. In recent years more and more organisations have been involving GPs in a whole range of non-medical work. Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge their NHS patients are;

• certain travel vaccinations
• private medical insurance reports
• holiday cancellation claim forms
• referral for private care forms
• letters requested by, or on behalf of, the patient

Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge other institutions are;

• medical reports for an insurance company
• some reports from DSS/benefits agency
• examinations of local authority employees

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/her patients. GPs have a very heavy workload and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time.

I only need a GPs signature - what is the problem?

When a GP 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. Therefore, in order to complete even the most simplest of forms, the GP needs to check the patients entire medical record. Carelessness or inaccurate reports can have serious consequences for the GP.

Why do I need to pay up front?

In the past we have completed reports and forms before payment has been made, but sadly there has been many occasions when the GP has completed the work but the payment has not been made. Therefore fees must be paid in advance at the time of request for the letter or form to be completed is made or when the appointment for the medical is booked.