We have recently reviewed requests for GP letters of support or evidence. These sorts of requests are non-NHS work which attract a charge and may be declined.

We do not recommend that patient’s request letters for the following reasons: -

• Blue badges
• Housing/changes in accommodation
• Personal independence payment (PIP)

Why do I have to pay?

The NHS provides most health services free of charge (although there are some exceptions such as prescription charges). For the areas that are not covered by the NHS there is a private fee, this is in place to cover the responsibility and time spent by doctors and administrative staff to complete the work. The British Medical Association (BMA) provides a guide to the fees that GPs can charge. We aim to keep the charges for our services at a fair level.

What is and isn’t covered?

The Government’s contract with GP surgeries covers all forms from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), examples include Personal Independence payment (PIP) forms and Attendance allowance (AA) forms (and many more). These forms are sent directly to the GP, so the patient does not need to worry about this.

Anything you have been asked to request from the GP yourself, such as an extra ‘supporting letter’ will be non-contractual work for the GP surgery and it is likely that you will be asked to pay a fee, so it is worth being clear if that extra letter is needed.

A doctor's letter will not add anything extra to your application as we can only produce a letter from your records. We have been informed (and is referenced in the links below) that these letters rarely make a difference to your application.

We recommend that patients provide their own information about their medical problems focusing on the impact these have on their lives. If a medical report or evidence from your GP is required, then the report will be sent the practice directly by the council.

Blue Badge scheme local authority guidance (England) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

https://n-somerset.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2023-05/31679%20Home%20Choice%20Policy%20ACC.pdf

Quick guide to PIP for health professionals - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The practice continues to decline the following private work as our staff do not have the specialist qualifications needed to make these assessments:

• Fitness to fly (including in pregnancy)
• Fitness to participate in sporting activities/sponsored activities.

Notes for school or university- absence through illness

If a university asks for a letter from a doctor to confirm illness/ reasons for absence, then the University must request this in writing accompanied by a signed consent form from the patient. We can then complete the letter and will invoice the University. If requested by the patient, the invoice will be sent to the patient as this work is not covered by the NHS GP contract.

Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection “Deputy” applications

LPAs do not require completion by a doctor (or solicitor for that matter). The Donor must have capacity to apply, and friends can act as witnesses. LPAs can now be submitted online which is convenient for some people. We have a practice policy not to do this work as it is not a part of the NHS GP contract and so a fee would need to be charged (as these forms take a significant amount of GP time to complete).