Non NHS Services

Private Fees and Charges (Non-NHS Work)

• Not all of the GP's carry out private work classed as non nhs-medical examinations and prepare reports e.g. for life insurance, pre-employment medicals. As this is private work it is not done in NHS time. 
• The surgery no longer covers Firearms Licences.
• You will be advised by the receptionist if the doctors cover the work required. Therefore charges for these examinations will apply.
• All private blood requests will not be carried out by the practice as these are charged by the hospital. If it is agreed then the hospital will advise of the cost which would required paid prior to any bloods taken as part of this process.

Why do GPs charge for some letters and forms?

GPs are paid by the NHS to look after people who are unwell. Things like writing letters for insurance, driving, schools, work, housing, or gyms are not part of their NHS job. These are private services, so GPs must do them in their own time and may charge a fee.

What if I can't afford it?

If you’re worried about money, you can get free access to your medical records online or ask for them by a Subject Access Request (SAR). These are sent by email and cost nothing.

What if I just need a signature?

Even for a simple form, the doctor must check your full medical record before signing. They can only sign things that are true and correct. Giving wrong information could get them into serious trouble.

Why can it take time?

GPs are very busy, often working over 60 hours a week. Private paperwork is done after their NHS work, so it may take time to complete.

Ask our reception team if you want to know the cost.

Wallsend PCN Statement on Shared Care Prescribing with Private Providers

 Please note Wallsend Primary Care Network (Hadrian Health Centre, Village Green Surgery, and Bewicke Medical Centre) do not offer "Shared Care Prescribing" with private providers, unless they are directly providing services for the NHS. This means that if you see a private provider and they prescribe certain medications, your GP will be unable to take over prescribing.

"Shared Care Prescribing" medications include (but are not limited to) ADHD medications, medications used for autoimmune conditions, and hormones used in gender dysphoria. These are higher risk medications that require the "Shared Care" of both the GP and the Specialist for ongoing prescribing, to ensure the prescribing is safe and effective.

We understand this may be disappointing, however we need to be sure the medications we are prescribing are safe and are monitored appropriately. NHS guidelines state we should not be entering "Shared Care Prescribing" with private providers. This is for multiple reasons, including the fact that care cannot be "shared" between the NHS and private organisations, and that there is a risk of unsafe prescribing if you have been discharged from the private provider (as the specialist will no longer be involved).

If your private provider wishes to prescribe a "Shared Care Medication", they will need to continue prescribing this – your GP will be unable to prescribe this medication on the NHS. If you wish for your medication to be prescribed on the NHS, you will need to be assessed by an NHS clinic and they will then discuss "Shared Care Prescribing" with your GP, if they feel it is appropriate. The wait for this assessment and discussion will depend on the clinic's waiting list.