GPs ‘charge victims £150 to prove injuries’

VicTiMS of domestic violence are being charged more than £150 by GPs for a letter confirming their injuries.

The document is often needed to access legal aid and the Government is facing criticism for failing to outlaw the practice.

Demanding fees for the letter is allowed by the medical authorities as the service does not fall under doctors’ NHS contracts.

in a House of Lords debate on the Domestic Abuse Bill, opposition spokesman Baroness Wilcox of Newport said: ‘The Government has expressed concern but has failed to act.’

Home Office minister Baroness Williams of Trafford said: ‘While GPs can levy a fee for this service, due to it being classified as private work that sits outside the core GP contract, the BMA has now advised GPs not to charge for such letters.’ She said the Government had made it easier for victims to obtain legal aid – which is only available when a person can prove they are a victim of domestic violence. For example, they may require legal representation to remain in the family home after splitting from a violent partner.

The BMA said it does not recommend that practices charge a fee but ‘ultimately... this is at the individual practice’s discretion’.