Policy
Equality & Diversity Statement In applying this policy, the Organisation will have due regard for the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, promote equality of opportunity, and provide for good relations between people of diverse groups, in particular on the grounds of the following characteristics protected by the Equality Act (2010); age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation, in addition to offending background, trade union membership, or any other personal characteristic.
1. Introduction
We have an NHS contract to treat people who are ill or believe themselves to be ill, look after people with Long Term conditions and Palliative care patients. In addition we have several subcontracts to provide Directed and local Enhanced Services, QOF and PCN services.
None of these contracts include private letters requested by patients.
2. Statement and Aim
We have to prioritise our NHS work and though we could provide these letters and charge a fee we are not currently able to taken on private work as it will result in a lesser ability to fulfil our NHS contracted work.
We are frequently approached by patients requiring supportive medical evidence in the form or a GP letter when completing government forms for various benefits, rehousing, travel passes, travel insurance, DWP renewals and appeals (this list is not exhaustive)
In accordance with National guidance, we only provide patients with a free of charge summary which includes past and current conditions and current medication which can include recent consultations with practice Clinicians.
Once these have been submitted, if the relevant agency requires more information they will need to contact us directly.
Patients should also be made aware of Private GPs who may be willing to write bespoke letters.
3. Scope
This applies to all patients as set out in the Equality and Diversity Statement with the added codicil that the patient’s current or past occupation or any personal relationship with practice Staff and Partners are not relevant.
4. Risks
In not having such a policy we will have more unpaid and unresourced work which will add increased pressure to our ability to deliver our Contracted work.
In addition some requests include us stating an opinion which may be used for litigation purposes.
5. Responsibilities
This policy is relevant to all employed staff and all staff working from our premises with our patients such as ARRS staff, Midwives or IAPT.
6. Dissemination
The policy is on the shared drive and all staff made aware of it via System 1 email.
7. Training
The Practice Manager will identify ongoing training though the NHS contract is explained in their induction presentation
8. Monitoring and Review
The policy will be reviewed every two years or following any Significant Event.
