non-NHS letters information

Non-NHS Letters and Supporting Evidence 

At Star Lane Medical Centre, GPs are happy to provide medical care and documentation that forms part of NHS services. Patients are sometimes asked by employers, schools, colleges, housing departments, local authorities, benefit agencies or other organisations to obtain a letter from their GP in support of an application or request. 

Many organisations can obtain the information they need directly from the patient or from other sources and do not require a GP letter. 

Accessing Your Medical Information

Before requesting a GP letter, patients are encouraged to access their medical records through the NHS app. The NHS app allows you to view information held in your GP record, including medications, allergies, vaccinations, test results and other clinical information that may be sufficient for the organisation requesting evidence. 

You can download the NHS app or visit the NHS website to access your records online. 

When We May Not Be Able to Provide a Letter

Our clinicians are unable to provide letters where: 

  • The information requested cannot be medically verified by the practice. 

  • The request falls outside NHS contractual requirements. 

  • The information is already available to the patient through their medical records. 

  • That inflammation can be provided by other organisation or professionals. 

  • The organisation requesting the evidence is responsible for carrying out its own assessment. 

  • The request asks a GP to make a decision, recommendation or certification that is outside their role or expertise. 

Examples may include housing applications, school attendance matters call mom fitness for certain activities, benefit claims, cancel applications and supporting statements for third-party organisation. 

Requests for non-NHS letters 

Requests for private or non-NHS letters are considered on a case-by-case basis. Submission of a request does not guarantee that a letter can be provided. 

Where a clinician agrees to provide a non-NHS letter: 

  • A fee may apply in accordance with the practice’s private fees schedule. 

  • Payment may be required before work is undertaken. 

  • Completion times may vary depending on clinical workload. 

Before requesting a lette

please check with the organisation requesting the information: 

  • Why the letter is required  

  • Whether they will accept a copy of your medical records or information from the NHS app. 

  • Whether they have their own form that should be completed 

  • Whether alternative evidence will be acceptable. 

Further information

if you have any questions regarding a non-NHS letter request, please contact the practice team for advice. 

Please note: The practice reserves the right to decline requests that are not clinically appropriate, fall outside the scope of services provided, or where the information requested cannot be verified by the practise. This approach is consistent with our duty to ensure that any information provided by a clinician is accurate, evidence-based and supported by the patient's medical records. 

 

 


Page created: 17 September 2026