Our Services

There are some administrative and clinical services provided by GP Practices that attract a fee. The information in this section explains generally how and why this is the case and provides information about the fees for non-NHS services at Your Health Partnership.

‘Isn’t the NHS supposed to be free?’
The NHS provides most health care services free of charge but there are some services that are chargeable – the most common example of this would be the fee for dispensing prescriptions.

‘Surely the doctor is being paid anyway?’
It is important to understand that GPs are not directly employed by the NHS. They are self-employed and therefore have to cover their costs just like any other small business; employing staff, heating and lighting their practices etc.
The NHS covers these costs for NHS work but not for non-NHS work.

‘What is covered by the NHS and what is not?’
The Government contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients. In recent years more and more organisations have been involving GPs in a wide range of non-medical work; sometimes the only reason the GP is asked to be involved is because they are in a position of trust within the community or because an employer, solicitor or insurance company, wants to be sure that the information that you have provided them is accurate and true.

‘So, what sort of thing will I be charged for?’
You can view the full list of charges here but as an example:

– Some travel vaccinations can only be provided privately as they are not available on the NHS.
– If you have had to cancel a holiday for a medical reason and need to provide information to your insurance provider.
– Medical assessments and their accompanying paperwork to support your job e.g. HGV driver, taxi driver or bus/coach driver.

‘Is it true that the British Medical Association (BMA) sets the fees for non-NHS work?’
The BMA has in the past provided guidance to GPs in setting their fees. This is less common now and GPs are able to set their own fees to ensure that their costs are covered. Private reports and private medical examinations aregenerally completed outside of normal working hours as an extra commitment to a GPs workload.

‘But I only need a doctor’s signature’
When a doctor signs a certificate or report they can only sign for what they know to be true and accurate. Even the simplest of forms requires a careful review of the patient’s medical record – carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the doctor as well as the patient.

‘How long will I wait for a report?’
A doctor’s priority will always be the care provided for patients under the NHS; non-NHS work is often carried out outside of normal working hours and therefore waiting time is affected.

We suggest 1 week for completion of a report providing the GP who knows you is available. Appointments for private medical assessments take place monthly in a dedicated clinic. Appointments for private travel vaccinations with our General
Practice Nurses need 6-8 weeks’ notice and a travel health questionnaire will need to be completed in the first instance.

Alcohol and Substance Misuse

Organisation: Cranstoun
About: Cranstoun Sandwell provides free and confidential advice and support to adults in Sandwell who would like to talk about alcohol or drugs.
Contact: 0121 553 1333
Website: www.cranstoun.org/services/substance-misuse/cranstoun-sandwell

Carers

A carer is anyone, including children and adults who look after a family member, partner or friend, who needs help because of their frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without their support.

Across the UK today over 6.5 million people are carers supporting a loved one who is older, disabled or seriously ill.

Being a carer can often be a demanding role so it’s important that you take the time to look after yourself too; YHP can help.

– Annual Health Check – once a year all carers will be invited to a check-up with a member of our nursing team.

– Annual flu vaccination – as a carer you are able to receive a flu vaccination free of charge

Chaperones

If you feel that you would like somebody with you during your consultation then please let us know at reception or tell the person you are seeing at the start of your appointment – we will be happy to arrange this for you.

Children under 5 years old

In line with the local Primary Care Commissioning Framework we offer a same-day assessment for all children under 5.

Healthy Lifestyle Services

Organisation: Healthy Sandwell; part of Sandwell Metropolitan Council.

About: Healthy Sandwell is a one-stop-shop for a range of health and wellbeing services to support local people to make positive lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or losing weight.

Contact: 0800 011 4656 or 0121 569 5100
Website: www.healthysandwell.co.uk

Interpreters

If English is not your preferred language or you use sign-language we can arrange for an interpreter to be present for your consultation. Please let us know when making your appointment.

Mental Wellbeing Services

Organisation: Sandwell Healthy Minds; part of Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

About: Sandwell Health Minds offers psychological therapy services for people experiencing common mental health problems such as low mood, depression, anxiety and stress. If you are aged 16 or over, live in Sandwell or have a Sandwell GP, they can help.

Contact: 0303 033 9903
Website: www.sandwellhealthyminds.nhs.uk

Military Veterans

Your Health Partnership is accredited as a ‘Veteran Friendly GP Practice’ which means that we have a dedicated clinical lead, with specialist training and experience, who can provide advice and guidance for military veterans.

A veteran is someone who has served in the armed forces for at least one day – there around 2.4 million veterans in Great Britain and if you are one of them then please let us know so that we can make a note on your record.

Our clinical lead is Dr Simon Mitchell.

Smoking Cessation

Organisation: Everyone Health

About: Working with Everyone Health, YHP offers appointments during the evenings with a specially trained advisor to help you to quit smoking.

The appointments are currently available at Regis Medical Centre and Oakham Surgery and are open to all patients of YHP. Please ask a member of our Patient Services Team for more information.

You can also access stop smoking services via the Healthy Sandwell Hub.

Contact: 0800 011 4656 or 0121 569 5100
Website: www.healthysandwell.co.uk

Statement of Fitness for Work (Fit Notes)

If you’re off work sick for 7 days or less, your employer should not ask for medical evidence that you’ve been ill. Instead they can ask you to confirm that you’ve been ill. This is called self-certification.

If you’re off work sick for more than 7 days, your employer will usually ask for a fit note (or Statement of Fitness for Work) from a GP or a hospital doctor. Fit notes are sometimes referred to as a sick note or a doctor’s note.