Noticeboard

Mask Wearing

From the 16th May, the Scottish Government has advised to stand-down the current guidance regarding the extended use of fluid resistant face masks (FRSM) and face coverings within health and care settings for staff, patients and visitors.  

It is no longer necessary to wear any face covering unless it is required where there is a risk from close contact with individuals displaying respiratory symptoms.

Patients will not be asked to wear face masks unless there is a risk of transmission from individuals with respiratory symptoms, however, patients and visitors may still choose to wear a face covering as a matter of personal choice.

The new guidance covers all hospitals, health centres, community sectors, primary care facilities and care homes.

 VERBAL ABUSE

Unfortunately, our practice staff have been subject to an increase of verbal abuse over recent weeks from a small number of patients.

This is not acceptable and we would like to remind everyone to be mindful of this when contacting the practice.  The practice is extremely busy and we are dealing with queries as quickly and efficiently as we can.

Verbal abuse towards any of practice staff will not be tolerated and may result in you being removed from our practice list.

Non-NHS (Private) Services and Charges

Why do GPs charge fees?

The National Health Service provides most health care to most people free of charge but there are exceptions such as NHS dental fees. The NHS does not provide medical reports for insurance companies, claims on private health insurance and other letters and forms which require the doctor to review the patient’s medical records.

GPs are not employed by the NHS. The NHS pays the doctor for specific NHS work but for non-NHS work the fee has to cover the doctor’s costs. As the doctors are self-employed, their costs – staff, buildings, heating, lighting, printing, paper etc. – must be covered in the same way as any small business.

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

  • Private medical insurance reports
  • HGV licenses and DVLA forms
  • Holiday cancellation forms
  • Letters requested by, or on behalf, of a patient
  • Firearm license form

You will be informed of our fee before we carry out any non-NHS work.

How long should I allow for the work to be done?

Please allow up to 28 days for the work to be completed. The practice has a substantial volume of non-NHS work to complete weekly and it is all done in addition to the NHS work and hours. An additional charge may be levied for more urgent requests.

I only need the doctor’s signature – why do I have to wait?

When a doctor signs a certificate or completes a report, they have to take time to review the patient’s records first. Some forms, such as an initial gun license, require the GP to review the medical records from birth to present day. Each doctor must also pay a three to four figure sum for indemnity each year, a significant proportion of which is solely to cover the completion of these non-NHS documents. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the doctor with the General Medical Council or even the Police.

Non-NHS Work We Cannot Provide

There are some services that we are unable to provide, as we do not have any specialist training, knowledge or indemnity in the area.  Examples of these include:

  • Fitness to fly forms
  • Fitness to fly in pregnancy forms/letters
  • Fitness to participate in sporting events eg marathon/ultra-runs/sky-diving/similar
  • Countersigning passport applications
  • Diving medicals/sports medicals
  • Seatbelt exemption forms
  • Power of attorney assessment of capacity - please contact your solicitor


 

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