Why GPs sometimes charge fees? Surely the doctor is being paid anyway?

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.

Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge their own NHS patients:

• 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

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 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.  

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.

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.

If you require any vaccinations relating to foreign travel you need to make an appointment to discuss your travel arrangements. This will include which countries and areas within countries that you are visiting to determine what vaccinations are required.

It is important to make this initial appointment as early as possible – at least 6 weeks before you travel – as a second appointment may be required to actually receive the vaccinations. These vaccines have to be ordered as they are not a stock vaccine. Your second appointment needs to be at least 2 weeks before you travel to allow the vaccines to work.

Some travel vaccines are ordered on a private prescription and these incur a charge over and above the normal prescription charge. This is because not all travel vaccinations are included in the services provided by the NHS.

Newly registered patients will be invited to attend a health check with one of our Health Care Assistants. This will include measuring height, weight, blood pressure, a urine test and obtaining details of past medical history, family and health problems.

The Practice is always keen to support and encourage any patient to quit smoking. Please discuss this with any of the doctors or nurses and they will be happy to help. You can also go to our Stop Smoking Help page for help and advice

Emergency contraception is available. Please request an urgent appointment at reception within 72 hours of the incident.

Many small skin lesions and lumps can be removed at the practice but you need to see a doctor first for a diagnosis.