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:

https://www.bma.org.uk/advice/employment/fees/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. Again the BMA provides a list of such services:

https://www.bma.org.uk/advice/employment/fees/no-set-fee

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.

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.

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