Some services we provide are not covered by the NHS. This means that a fee is charged for these services which is payable in advance. Download our Fees for Non NHS work.
Payment can be made by cash only.
Forms for completion by GPs should be left with our Reception Help Desk.
FAQ’s regarding Private and professional Fees for Non NHS Work
Isn’t the NHS supposed to be free?
The National Health Service provides most health care to most people free of charge, but there are exceptions.
Examples of non NHS work are:
- Accident/sickness certificates for insurance purposes.
- Reports for health clubs to certify that patients are fit to exercise.
- Pre-employment medicals, as requested by employers.
- Life assurance and income protection reports for insurance companies.
- Medical reports for local authorities in connection with adoption and fostering.
- Reports for modelling companies , confirming fitness of a child
The charge is made to cover the cost of the service not covered by the NHS.
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 we will always attempt to assist our patients, we are not required to do such non-NHS work.
Does the BMA set fees for non NHS work?
The BMA suggests fees that GPs may charge their patients for non-NHS work (i.e. work not covered under their contract with the NHS) in order to help GPs set their own professional fees.
Our fees for these services are in line with those recommended by The BMA.
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 their patients. Therefore, most of the Non NHS work is done outside the surgery hours (e.g. after the surgery closes or the weekends).
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. Therefore in order to complete even the simplest of forms, the doctor may need 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 or even the Police.
What will I be charged?
A list of fees for some common Non NHS treatments, forms, letters, reports and examinations are given below. A list is also displayed in the reception area in the surgery.
If the kind of form that you wish to have completed by the GP is not listed below, please contact the receptionists. They will discuss the matter with the doctors and inform you of the charge prior to the commencement of the work.
Click here for a list of fees.
What can I do to help?
- Please do not ask the GP to fill the forms during a normal consultation.
- Not all documents need a signature or a letter from the GP. You can always ask another person in a position of trust to sign such a document free of charge.
- Please do not ask your GP to process these forms overnight or urgently.
- If you have any queries regarding the amount you have to pay, please confirm it with the receptionist prior to handing over the request to the doctor.
