Non-NHS/ Private Work Fees
The NHS provides most health care to most people free of charge, but some services provided are not covered under our contract with the NHS, and therefore attract charges.
The government’s contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients, but not 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 fees charged are based on the British Medical Association (BMA) suggested scales and our reception staff will be happy to advise you about them.
How long will it take to complete private work?
Most GPs have a very heavy workload and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time. Our GPs do non-NHS work outside of NHS hours, so please note that non-NHS work will take time – we advise that it may take upto 28 days to complete.
If you require the GP’s signature for a certificate or to complete 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), so the GPs require time to complete this.
Please also note that private work cannot be requested as urgent or expected to be done overnight, as the GPs will be completing this outside of their working hours, so please ensure that you make any requests in advance of any deadlines you may have.
Travel Cancellation Forms
Please note that our GPs can only sign travel cancellation forms for patients registered at Cranbrook Surgery. They can also provide private ‘to whom it may concern’ (TWIMC) letters (for which you will be charged) for patients requesting medical information for travel cancellations. Please contact the surgery for further information.