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Non-NHS Services & Medical Records Requests

Information on private fees, report availability, and requesting medical records at Spring Hill Practice.

⏱️ Turnaround Time & Payment: Non-NHS services require full payment in advance before work commences. All requests are completed within 30 days from the date payment is received. Payment can be made at reception or via bank transfer.

Services & Reports We Provide

Taxi Medical

£120.00

Full medical examination and report for taxi/private hire driver licensing.

⚠️ Note: The optician section of your form must be completed prior to your appointment. Payment can be made at reception or via bank transfer.

AH / AH2 Form

£76.24

Adoption and fostering health assessment reports.

💡 Note: Some AH/AH2 forms are funded by the local council and will include a cover letter. If self-funded, Payment can be made at reception or via bank transfer.

Childminder Form

£87.50

Health declaration check for prospective childminders.

💡 Payment can be made at reception or via bank transfer.

Ofsted Declaration

£40.00

Health declaration form completion for Ofsted registration.

💡 Payment can be made at reception or via bank transfer.

Private Letters

£30.00

Bespoke medical statements, factual confirmation letters, or specific requested reports.

💡 Payment can be made at reception or via bank transfer.

Other Services

Variable Fees

For additional non-NHS reports, medical assessments, or private administrative services not listed above.

Services & Letters We Do NOT Provide

Standard practice policies regarding requests outside our NHS clinical scope.

❌ Housing Letters

We cannot provide housing support letters, as the local council does not accept them directly from GPs. You can request a copy of your medical summary/records at reception using valid photo ID to submit as evidence yourself. If the council requires specific clinical details, they are welcome to contact our practice directly.

❌ DWP Supporting Letters

We do not provide general supporting letters for Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) applications, as the DWP contacts us directly for formal medical reports when required. We advise using your existing medical records as evidence. If you require access to your full records, please visit reception with photo ID to submit an Online Access or Subject Access Request (SAR). You can also request a printed summary of your medical conditions and medications directly at reception.

❌ School / Education Sickness Letters

GPs do not provide sickness documentation for children. Childhood illnesses are usually self-limiting and do not require formal GP input. Schools should not request GP notes, as this creates unnecessary dependence on the health service and uses GP appointments needed for unwell patients. If an educational institution requires medical information, they must contact the surgery directly with signed parental consent.

Standard Response Template:
"I understand the school has requested documentation regarding your child's illness. Please show them this text: GPs do not provide sick documentation for children. Childhood illnesses are usually self-limiting and do not require medical input. Schools should not be requesting documentation, as this encourages dependence on the health service and uses GP appointments needed for clinical care."

❌ Help with Form Filling (DWP / PIP / Universal Credit)

Our clinical and administrative staff cannot assist with filling out benefit applications or financial forms (e.g. PIP, DWP, Universal Credit) as we do not run a Citizens Advice clinic. Please note that our Social Prescribers do NOT fill out forms for patients.

To receive assistance with form filling, please request your medical summary/records at reception and present them to:

🏢 Citizens Advice Hackney Service Centre
1 Hillman Street, London, E8 1DY
📅 Drop-in Hours: Wednesdays & Fridays from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM (Arrive early as demand is high).

❌ Sporting Events & Private Fit to Assess Certificates

We do not provide letters or certificates confirming fitness to participate in sporting events, gym memberships, or private fit-to-assess evaluations. Patients can request a copy of their medical summary at reception and present it directly to the event organizer.

❌ Passport Countersigning & Proof of Address

We do not countersign passport applications or provide letters serving as proof of address.

Requesting Your Medical Records

How to request access to your health record securely.

How to Apply

To request access to your medical records, please complete the appropriate application form at reception in person and bring valid photo ID:

  • Online Access Form: To view your ongoing medical history, test results, and consultations online via the NHS App or web browser.
  • Subject Access Request (SAR) Form: If you require your historical records in a physical (printed) or digital (emailed) format. Note: Initial requests are free of charge. Duplicate or excessive requests may be subject to a administrative charge.
🆔 In-Person Identity Check Required: All requests must be made in person at reception so identity can be verified against patient records to ensure strict confidentiality.

Proxy Access & Children's Records

If a representative wishes to access records on behalf of another adult, written consent from the patient is required. Both the patient and the proxy must attend the surgery together with photo ID for both individuals and sign the authorization form.

Children under 11 years: Parent/guardians may request proxy access by presenting proof of parental responsibility (e.g., Birth Certificate) along with parent photo ID. Signature from the child is not required.

⚠️ GP Review Process: All medical record access requests are subject to mandatory review by your usual GP. Patients will be updated once the GP review is complete regarding approval.

Frequently Asked Questions (Non-NHS Services)

Understanding why certain services carry a fee.

Services Outside the NHS Contract: The National Health Service provides most healthcare free of charge, but GP practices are contracted solely for essential NHS medical services. Private reports and non-NHS requests fall outside this contract, and GPs are entitled to charge reasonable fees to cover administrative and operational costs based on British Medical Association (BMA) guidelines.
Isn’t the NHS supposed to be free?
The National Health Service provides most healthcare free at the point of delivery, but there are explicit exceptions—such as private medical reports for insurance companies, driving medicals, and third-party assessments.
Surely the Doctor is being paid anyway?
GPs are not directly employed by the NHS; they operate as contracted providers who must cover operational overheads—including staff salaries, facilities, heating, and lighting. NHS funding only covers NHS clinical work. Non-NHS requests must cover the Doctor’s time and administrative overheads. Furthermore, signing legal and medical declarations requires thorough review of entire record histories, carrying professional accountability.
Why does it take up to 30 days to complete my form?
Time spent completing paperwork takes doctors away from direct patient care. Due to heavy clinical workloads, administrative tasks must be completed outside clinic hours. At Spring Hill Practice, we aim to complete all non-NHS forms and records requests within 30 days of receiving payment and verified consent.
I only need the Doctor’s signature – why must I pay?
To sign any document, a doctor is legally required under the Medical Register to verify every statement as true. This often requires reviewing a patient’s entire medical history. Inaccurate reports carry severe professional legal consequences, and non-NHS fees reflect this responsibility and time.
What can I do to help speed up the process?
Please submit all required forms together at once, ensure all patient sections are fully completed prior to submission, and allow the full 30-day processing period before following up.
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