IMPORTANT UPDATE: Medical Letters, Certificates and Non-NHS Requests
Medical Letters, Certificates and Non-NHS Requests
At The Red Practice, we understand that patients may occasionally require letters or certificates for non-medical or administrative purposes, such as school absences, travel, or participation in activities. We always want to support our patients as much as possible. However, there are limits to what GPs can provide, both ethically and within the scope of NHS services.
We hope the following information helps clarify what we can and cannot do, and why.
School Absence Letters
Following guidance from the British Medical Association (BMA) and supported by Surrey County Council and our Local Medical Committee (LMC), we do not issue letters to confirm school absences due to illness or mental health.
Parents and guardians can access key information such as appointment details, prescriptions, or referrals via the NHS App, and share this directly with the school if required.
We appreciate this may be frustrating, but this guidance ensures that medical time is used where it is most needed and protects patient confidentiality.
Fit to Fly Letters
We are unable to issue letters or certificates stating a patient is 'fit to fly'. As GPs, assessing fitness to fly is outside our scope of practice and clinical responsibility. This includes requests for:
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Patients with ongoing health conditions
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Pregnant patients
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Post-surgery travellers
Where relevant, your hospital consultant or team may be more appropriate to provide documentation, especially for complex conditions or pregnancy.
We can provide a letter listing prescribed medication for travel purposes if required by your airline.
✅ Please check directly with your airline for the exact details they need.
💷 Please note a fee will apply for this non-NHS service.
Fitness to Participate or Compete in Activities
Requests for certificates confirming a patient is "fit" to undertake sporting or physical events (e.g. marathons, triathlons, diving, extreme sports) are also outside the scope of NHS General Practice. The BMA advises that even after a detailed assessment, GPs cannot guarantee a patient's fitness for specific, high-risk activities.
Unfortunately, we are not able to complete or sign these certificates.
We recommend that you consult with the event organisers to see if a private sports or occupational health specialist would be more suitable to assess and sign such documentation.
Why We Take This Approach
We understand that not being able to provide these documents may cause inconvenience. Please know this is not a reflection of how much we value our patients. Rather, it is based on:
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Professional and ethical guidance from the British Medical Association
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A desire to ensure safe, appropriate, and evidence-based care
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A need to prioritise our time for the NHS clinical services we are here to deliver
📚 BMA Guidance on Non-NHS Work
Thank you for your understanding and continued support. If you're unsure whether we can assist with a specific request, please contact our reception team who will be happy to advise.
GP Partners at The Red Practice
Published on 11 June 2025