Time Frame for Non-NHS work
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. Therefore, in order to complete even the simplest of forms, the doctor needs to check the patient’s entire record. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the doctor with the General Medical Council or even the Police.
Please note, we do not validate/certify passport or driving licence applications due to the personal knowledge required to provide this service.
Letters written at the request of the patient and form completion are not covered by the NHS Contract of Services and have to be paid for in advance. These services are optional and we know that patients fine them valuable. Please contact reception for costs and to make any requests. We usually need to see the form in advance so the doctor can assess the fee and decide if they need to see you in person.
Time spend completing forms and preparing reports takes the GP away from the medical care of their patients. Our GP’s have a very heavy workload and paper work takes up an increasing amount of their time. In addition, non-NHS work must be taken outside of NHS Contracted Time. Please bear in mind that it can take up to 28days, from our date of receipt, to complete requests.
Medicals
These involve a fee which is payable by cash or card in advance. We operate a 24 hour notice policy should you need to cancel or rearrange your appointment once paid.
“To Whom It May Concern” Letters (TWIMC)
A common request is for a GP to write a letter making a statment about a patient’s health or registration. This is a non-NHS service and, as such, will incur a private fee, currently £22.00. If you request this during a consultation, the doctor will advise you of this.
Patients requesting letters to accompany their PIP applications.
We are unable to provide letters of support for Primary Applications. The DWP will contact your GP or healthcare professional directly to obtain medical evidence when you submit a PIP or ESA Claim, the information is then sent to the DWP as part of our claims process.
We are therefore unable to provide additional letters of support as the information we provide will normally be include in the GP report requested by the DWP. a chronological summary printout of conditions can be provided on completion of a Subject Access Request if you are unsure of the date of your diagnosis. The Practice will have up to 21 working days to complete this request. This is free for initial requests under GDPR Legislation.
Appeal of DWP Decision.
If you appeal a decision made by the DWP, the the Practice will, on request, provide a letter to support your appeal. However, having consulted DWP guidance to GPs, the Practice believe this letter will have no bearing on your application and the request for a letter will incur a charge. The Practice will have up to 21 working days to complete this request.