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Bridges Medical Practice
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Live Well (NHS)
Health A to Z (NHS)

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NHS 111 - if it's less urgent than 999

BBC Health News

  • NHS plans 'unthinkable' cuts to balance books09 May 2025 00:20Diabetes care, rehab centres, end-of-life services and talking therapies at risk in England.
  • More blood victims will die without compensation - minister07 May 2025 18:15Extra sessions of the public inquiry into what's been called the worst treatment disaster in NHS history are taking place.
  • 'The NHS at its worst', ex-ombudsman tells inquiry06 May 2025 18:00Sir Rob Behrens says it was a "disgrace" how mental health services failed two vulnerable men.
  • Big baby trial gives pregnant women more choice 07 May 2025 09:10Doctors say women should be confident it's safe to be induced from 38 weeks, if expecting a large baby.
  • Plan to modernise 1,000 GP practice buildings06 May 2025 09:15The Department of Health and Social Care said it is the biggest public investment in facilities in England in five years.
  • 'Doctors told my mum poison symptoms were anxiety'07 May 2025 06:19Ellena Baxter says watching her mother's health deteriorate was devastating.

Non-NHS Services

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

Fees for Non-NHS Services (PDF, 105KB)

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

  • Accident/sickness insurance certificates
  • Certain travel vaccinations
  • Private medical insurance reports
  • Private fit notes
  • Letters requested by, or on behalf of, the patient
  • Holiday cancellation claim forms
  • Medical reports for an insurance company/solicitors
  • Some reports for the Department for Work & Pensions

Those fees 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.

Why do GP's sometimes charge fees?

Isn't the NHS supposed to be free?

The National Health Service provides most health care to most people free of charge, but there are exceptions: prescription charges have existed since 1951, and there are a number of other services for which fees are charged. For example medical reports for insurance companies.

Surely the doctor is being paid anyway?

It is important to understand that 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 fee has to cover the doctor's costs.

What is covered by the NHS and what is not?

The Government's contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients. In recent years, more and more organisations have been involving doctors in a whole range of non-medical work. Sometimes the only reason that GP's are asked is that they are in a position of trust in the community, or because an insurance company or employer wants to be sure that information provided is true and accurate.

Is it true that the BMA sets fees for non-NHS work?

The BMA suggests fees for non-NHS work which is not covered under a GP’s NHS contract, to help GPs set their own professional fees. However, these fees are guidelines only, not recommendations, and a doctor is not obliged to charge the rates suggested.

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 - the majority work up to 70 hours a week - 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 or even the Police.

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Bridges Medical Practice

Trinity Square Health Centre, 24 West Street, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE8 1AD

  • 0191 300 9889
  • nencicb-ng.bridgesmedicalpractice@nhs.net
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