GPs are frequently asked to provide private letters, reports and supporting documents for employers, schools, insurers, solicitors and other third parties. This work is not covered by the NHS and therefore usually attracts a fee.

The doctor may need to review your medical record carefully to ensure that any information provided is accurate, appropriate and supported by the available evidence. The applicable fee must be paid in advance before the request can be processed.

Completion times

Please allow up to 28 days for private letters and reports to be completed. NHS clinical care, urgent patient matters and essential practice activity must always take priority. Completion will also depend on the availability of an appropriate doctor.

We will do our best to prioritise genuinely urgent requests and complete them as soon as possible, but we cannot guarantee that a particular deadline will be met. Requests should therefore be submitted as early as possible.

Please do not book a GP appointment solely to request or chase a private letter. Our reception team will explain the process, confirm the applicable fee and pass the request to the appropriate clinician.

Some requests may not be suitable for completion, particularly where the doctor cannot verify the information requested or where the document falls outside the scope of general practice. Where we are unable to complete a request, we will let you know and refund any fee already paid.