GP practices are increasingly being asked to undertake work for NHS secondary care teams and for private providers. This additional workload puts added pressure onto practices. This affects many members of the practice team; GP time is required to review letters and results, nursing team time to obtain samples and reception and admin staff are involved in booking appointments and giving out results.

At the University Health Service (UHS) we have agreed the following when handling requests for monitoring and prescribing, taking into account the British Medical Association (BMA) guidance:

UHS-info-re-private-requests

Completion of Medical Forms – For completion of medical forms, e.g. pre-employment medicals, insurance, Camp America, Certificates of Fitness, electives/year out etc, these should be handed in to 3rd floor reception to be assessed on:

• Whether or not an appointment is required.
• If there is a fee payable for this work since it is not covered by general medical services.

Forms must be left for at least 24 hours after which time the practice should be contacted to ascertain if an appointment/fee is required.

If the form is for electives/year out there will be no fee but a letter confirming this is required from a Director of Studies. Without this letter a fee will apply.

Forms will take between 10-20 working days to complete

Private Letters

Private letters can take up to 10 working days to complete ready to collect. Once payment has been made the work to produce the letter starts so there are no refunds for private letters at any time.