We appreciate your trust in our medical services and understand that there may be occasions when you require letters from your General Practitioner (GP) for various purposes. We would like to provide you with important information and guidelines to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Letter Requests and Fees
Patients often request letters for private or ‘To Whom It May Concern’ purposes. Please note that the standard fee for such letters is a minimum of £30, with the possibility of a higher fee for more complex letters or reports or where GP input is required. These fees are necessary as the preparation of these documents falls outside the scope of NHS coverage. The process involves the GP reviewing your medical records, dictating the letter, and the administrative team subsequently typing and printing it.
Timescales
While we strive to fulfil all requests promptly, it is important to understand that private letters and reports do not take precedence over NHS commitments. Kindly allow up to 28 days for the completion of your request and the payment of the appropriate fee. If your request is urgent or you are given a short deadline by a third party, please submit a valid evidence with your request so that we may be able to help you with your request early.
Content
It is crucial to note that we cannot accept requests for the doctor to write specific words verbatim. The content of the letter will be based on the GP’s knowledge supported by your medical records. Both the letter and the accompanying opinion are considered final, and requests for alterations cannot be accommodated. The GP reserves the right to refuse a request or provide alternative wording if deemed necessary.
Appropriate Requests
We are committed to assisting you and have outlined examples of suitable and non-suitable requests below:
Examples of appropriate requests:
- Fitness to travel or cancellation of a holiday
- Confirmation of medical conditions and/or medication
- Letters for mitigating circumstances (school, universities, employers, courts, etc.)
- Letters related to Council/housing requirements
Examples of requests we cannot fulfil:
- Confirmation of address, ID, or residence (verification not possible)
- Countersigning passport applications
- Statements not supported by your medical record
Benefit Claim Letters
If you are seeking a letter to support a benefit claim, it is advisable to follow the guidance provided on the website [https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/]. Comprehensive evidence often leads to successful appeals, and the relevant organisation may contact us directly for specific health-related information.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to these guidelines. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our administrative team.