Non-NHS Services

Most of the services provided by the Practice are funded by our contract to provide services with NHS Highland. This means they are provided free at the point of delivery, as was the intention of Aneurin Bevin in 1948 when he devised the National Health Service. Our appointment system is designed to be fair to all patients so that our services:

• meet the needs of everyone
• are free at the point of delivery
• are based on clinical need, not ability to pay

Note that the above principles are based on clinical need. Sometimes this may not entirely coincide with what the patient wants. In such cases we try to explain what services we are able to provide.

Some services are not covered by our NHS funding and in order to cover our costs (clinicians, other staff, buildings, medical consumables etc.) we may charge patients for them. We try to make it clear which services may incur a charge in advance. Sometimes the amount of the charge may not be clear until the appointment has ended because the cost is linked to the time taken.

The British Medical Association (BMA) has some useful information on their website about the reasons why GPs charge for some services, which can be accessed here – Why GPs charge fees

Some paid for services are not required to be provided by your own GP and so patients are free to “shop around” for other providers.

Police reports for firearm and shotgun licenses

A new system was introduced in April 2016 for the processing of applications for new and renewal of existing firearm and shotgun licenses. GP practices are not required to provide this service under our NHS contract, but the proper regulation of firearms is in the public interest.

The statutory guidance was updated and strengthened with effect from 1 November 2021 and the medical report form has changed to reflect this. After completing a fair few of the new forms we have decided to introduce a £50 charge for the GP time spent reviewing the applicant’s full medical record. Once the fee has been paid then the form will be completed by a GP and sent direct to the Police firearms licensing authority.

Guidance can be accessed here – Medical Guidance for Firearms licence

HGV/LGV/PSV Medical

A “driver medical” or DVLA D4 medical is a mandatory health assessment for HGV/LGV/PCV Drivers, ensuring they meet the DVLA’s Group 2 standard and are fit to drive safely, and is required for initial and renewal licenses. Opticians have to complete the eye examination, please have this completed prior to your appointment with a GP for your medical examination.

The fee for completion of this report is £100. Once the fee has been paid we can release your report that has been completed by the GP.

When making an appointment for your driver medical please inform reception that you require a 30 minute appointment slot and please ensure you bring the relevant forms with you to your appointment.

The relevant form can be accessed here – HGV/ LGV/ PSV Medical Form

ML5 Medical

A medical examination will find out if you have a health condition that could result in you needing urgent treatment, or potentially put fellow crew or passengers’ lives at risk.

If you are employed on a ship, and it’s your normal place of work, then regulations require you to have a medical examination. This is to prove that you are in good enough health and fitness to carry out your duties.

The fee for completion of this report is £100. Once the fee has been paid we can release your report that has been completed by the GP. Opticians have to complete the eye examination, please have this completed prior to your appointment with a GP for your medical examination.

When making an appointment for your Maritime medical please inform reception that you require a 30 minute appointment slot and please ensure you bring the relevant forms with you to your appointment.

The relevant form can be accessed here – ML5 Medical Form

Surgery abroad without NHS referral

NHS Inform has comprehensive guidance for patients considering travelling abroad to undertake operations including cosmetic surgery. Please note that NHS Scotland, including your GP Practice, is under no obligation to carry out routine pre-operation or follow up procedures in such cases.

The guidance can be accessed here – Surgery Abroad without NHS referral

Patients attending private clinics

The following document provides comprehensive guidance for patients who are considering or who have already paid for private treatment outside of the NHS – Private clinics