STEPPING ON PROGRAMME
For information on the Stepping on Programme, please see the link below:
Stepping on Poster
Why GPs no longer do 'letters of support'
In common with other GP practices in the UK, the GPs at this surgery no longer do 'letters of support' that are occasionally requested by patients, or their representatives.
The reasons for this are:
1 There is no need - most applications for certain benefits/appeals etc already gather this information from the GP record, so there is no need to duplicated this in an unofficial capacity. Other forms such as those related to housing/adaptions are not appropriate for GPs to complete as they have no qualifications in these areas.
2 There is no advantage - such letters are often not even looked at, and when they are, carry little or no weight in statutory bodies’ decision making - despite what people's perceptions often seem to be!
3 GPs workload does not allow for them - no-one can be unaware that GPs workload is at an unsustainable level, and thus non-essential activities must be stopped. To ensure the core GP work of seeing and treating ill patients continues, such time consuming optional work must be stopped.
4 The contract under which GPs work means they are under no obligation at all regards such requests. This is often not understood by patients or their representatives.
We understand some may be disappointed with this; nonetheless it is an ESSENTIAL move to ensure we continue to meet our primary function. If you were told by an agency to ask for such a letter please given them a copy of this note.
THE DOCTORS