Non-NHS work

It is important to understand that many GPs are not employed by the NHS.

They are self-employed and they have to cover their costs staff, buildings, heating, lighting, etc in the same way as any small business. The NHS covers these costs for NHS work, but for non-NHS work, the fees charged by GPs contribute towards their costs.

The Government’s contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients, including the provision of ongoing medical treatment.

GP Practices are businesses that have to cover their costs for staff, buildings etc., in the same way as any small business.  The NHS covers these costs for NHS work but not for non-NHS work. The fees charged by GPs contribute towards these costs.

In recent years, more and more organisations have been involving doctors in a whole range of non-medical, non-NHS work. Sometimes the only reason that GPs are asked is because they are in a position of trust in the community, or because an insurance company or employer wants to ensure that information provided to them is true and accurate.

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 we will endeavour to assist our patients as much as possible, the request may be declined in some circumstances. For instance, we may decline to sign fitness to perform activities forms such as parachute jumping or marathon as they may need to be done doctors who have specialist training in these areas.

We do not verify identity so will not be able to sign forms that require verification of identity such as passport forms.

• accident or sickness certificates for insurance purposes
• school fee and holiday insurance certificates
• reports for health clubs to certify that patients are fit to exercise

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 take some paperwork home at night and weekends.

NHS medical care of our patients always takes priority during our working day so any private letters or forms can take up to three weeks to complete and return to you.  We cannot guarantee they will be completed earlier.

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. Inaccurate information also affect the patients.

We recommend that our team tell patients in advance if they will be charged, and what the fee will be. You will be expected to pay in advance. We accept cash or cheques.

See below for a list of suggested fees which our doctors use or contact our patient assistant team. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. If items are not listed, managers or doctors have the discretion to charge the appropriate fee. We strive to reflect the charges in accordance with the British Medical Association’s suggested fees.

• Not all documents need a signature by a doctor. You can ask another person in a position of trust to sign such documents free of charge.
• If you have several forms requiring completion, present them all at once and ask your GP if he or she is prepared to complete them at the same time to speed up the process.
• Please do not expect your GP to process forms urgently as NHS work will always take priority.
• You can use our website to consult our doctors online for any queries or look for up to date information.