Private GP Letters and Reports – Disclaimer (BMA‑Aligned Private Work Policy)

With reference to patient's request for a letter or report from the GP, please note that this constitutes private (non‑NHS) work, as defined by the British Medical Association (BMA), and is therefore not funded by the NHS. Such work is provided at the discretion of the GP and is subject to the practice’s private fees policy.

In accordance with BMA guidance, all letters and reports will be restricted to a statement of factual information based solely on the contents of your medical records held by the practice. The GP will not provide opinions, judgments, or recommendations regarding:

• Occupational health matters or fitness for work
• Workplace adjustments or concessions
• Academic or examination concessions
• Insurance, legal, housing, or third‑party requirements

These matters must be assessed by the relevant organisation in line with their own policies and procedures.

Administrative and secretarial staff act purely in a processing capacity and are not authorised to amend, alter, or influence the content of any letter or report. They are unable to make any changes to documents once drafted or signed by the GP.

Once issued, no amendments, additions, or rewording will be made to the letter or report under any circumstances.

Payment must be made in advance before the request is processed, in line with the practice’s private work policy and BMA guidance on private medical services. Completion timescales are variable and depend on GP availability and clinical workload.

Some services provided are not covered under our contract with the NHS and therefore attract charges. Examples include the following:

• Medicals for pre-employment, sports and driving requirements (HGV, PSV etc)
• Insurance claim forms
• Prescriptions for taking medication abroad
• Private sick notes
• Vaccination certificates
• Private letters such as housing /benefit letters

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 along with appointment availability.

Housing /Benefit letters

We are committed to supporting our patients with requests for issuing private letters in support of housing/benefits issues. However, we will only complete factual responses based on patients' medical records and will not give an opinion or write specific points dictated/requested by patients. If in doubt, we will refuse to complete the request and we do not take any responsibility if letters provided do not achieve their intended result. Please be aware that we charge for private letters in advance of commencing the work and cannot guarantee a refund if your letter is not accepted by the Council/Housing authorities. Please email your written request to e82661.gardencitysurgery@nhs.net

Insurance/Medical/DWP Reports

The Practice is using iGPR Superior Management Services to process all patient or third party requests for completion of Medical/ Insurance /Solicitors/ DWP or SARs requests. Please see below leaflet for more information.

iGPR leaflet

For enquiries regarding iGPR Superior Management Services please contact 01527 570005 anytime between 09:00 and 17:00 or complete a contact form via their website www.igpr.co.uk/contact