Seafarer Medical Examinations (ENG1)
The Marine & Coastguard Agency (MCA) require that any seafarer employed or engaged in any capacity aboard a sea-going ship, to hold a valid certificate (ENG1) attesting to their medical fitness for the work for which they are employed. St Austell Healthcare carry out the ENG1 Medicals. Please see below for further information:
The Marine & Coastguard Agency (MCA) require that any seafarer employed or engaged in any capacity aboard a sea-going ship, to hold a valid certificate (ENG1) attesting to their medical fitness for the work for which they are employed. St Austell Healthcare carry out the ENG1 Medicals. Please see below for further information:
| Seafarer Medical Examinations |
Why do GP’s charge fees?
The National Health Service provides most health care to most people free of charge, but there are exceptions. Prescription charges have existed since 1951, and there are a number of other services for which fees are charged. Sometimes the charge is made to cover some of the cost of treatment, for example dental fees. In other cases it is because the service isn’t covered by the NHS, for example, medical reports for insurance companies, claims on private health insurance and other letters and forms which require the doctor to review the patient’s medical records.
It is important to understand that GP’s are not employed by the NHS, they are self-employed, and they have to cover their costs (staff, buildings, heating, lighting etc) in the same way as any small business.
The NHS pays the doctor for specific NHS work, but for non NHS work the fee has to cover the doctor’s costs.
The National Health Service provides most health care to most people free of charge, but there are exceptions. Prescription charges have existed since 1951, and there are a number of other services for which fees are charged. Sometimes the charge is made to cover some of the cost of treatment, for example dental fees. In other cases it is because the service isn’t covered by the NHS, for example, medical reports for insurance companies, claims on private health insurance and other letters and forms which require the doctor to review the patient’s medical records.
It is important to understand that GP’s are not employed by the NHS, they are self-employed, and they have to cover their costs (staff, buildings, heating, lighting etc) in the same way as any small business.
The NHS pays the doctor for specific NHS work, but for non NHS work the fee has to cover the doctor’s costs.
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Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge their patients
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Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge other institutions
What is covered by the NHS and what is not? The government’s contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients. In recent years, more and more organisations have been involving doctors in a whole range of non-medical work. Sometimes the only reason that GPs are asked is because they are in a position of trust in the community, or because an insurance company or employer wants to be sure that information provided is true and accurate. |
Time frame for non-NHS work
When a doctor signs a certificate or completes a report, it is a condition of remaining on the Medical Register that they only sign what they know to be true. Therefore in order to complete even the simplest of forms, the doctor needs to check the patient’s entire record. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the doctor, with the General Medical Council or even the Police.
Please note, we do not validate/certify Passport or Driving Licence applications due to the personal knowledge required to provide this service.
Time spent completing forms and preparing reports takes the GP away from the medical care of his/her patients. Most GPs have a very heavy workload and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time.
In addition non-NHS work must be undertaken outside of NHS contracted time. Please note that it can take up to 28 days to complete these reports.
When a doctor signs a certificate or completes a report, it is a condition of remaining on the Medical Register that they only sign what they know to be true. Therefore in order to complete even the simplest of forms, the doctor needs to check the patient’s entire record. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the doctor, with the General Medical Council or even the Police.
Please note, we do not validate/certify Passport or Driving Licence applications due to the personal knowledge required to provide this service.
Time spent completing forms and preparing reports takes the GP away from the medical care of his/her patients. Most GPs have a very heavy workload and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time.
In addition non-NHS work must be undertaken outside of NHS contracted time. Please note that it can take up to 28 days to complete these reports.
The non-NHS private fees are based on the British Medical Association (BMA) suggested scales and our reception staff will be happy to advise you about them along with appointment availability.
