7 days to countersign???

richardw

They have policy like this so they can treat patients in a sensible manner, it is just one of those things. The doctor may have a few to sign and doing them all in one go is efficient use of their time. They can't really justify doing this on demand. I'd just wait and digest the rest of this website for other money saving tips whilst waiting.

liberty6201

No i would be annoyed too. I know they have better things to do but really how long does it take at the end of the day to sign a form? I am a teacher and love 'jobs' like this as it is quick and easy - basically it takes 30 seconds. I know they are there to treat people - like i am there to teach - but still it doesn't take too much time does it? i know treating people is a priority but they do get paid enough for the privilege - it isn't a free service they offer to sign a passport. if you pay £10 i think 7 days is a long time to wait!

richardw

Up to 7 days isn't unreasonable, they have developed a policy of doing it like that so they can treat patients like you more effectively and combining it with boring administrative things. It is not a case of it doesn't take too long, it is just how they organise themselves, to satisfy most of the people most of the time.

Melissa22_Mum

I did get it back and nearly ripped the tenner as I didn't want to hand it over!!
The writing is unintelligable but what do you expect from a doctor? LOL

Does anyone actually know what the charge is for exactly, how do they justify it or break it down?

SMC_2

I would assume as they are not obligated to do it they are charging for their time. Can't think what else.

LondonDiva

The charge is for a private service, so the practice can charge what they want.

KathrynPenguin

I think they would be snowed under if there was no charge. I'm a secondary school teacher and I occasionally sign one for a pupil if I have known them for a long time and seen their parents at regular events - really shouldn't at all as I am signing to say I know the parent.

2 days before the end of term a "madam" who is in my form, has been for 2 years, see her for 15 mins every morning, plonks a form in front of me and says "youv'e gotta sign this". I said no I havn't, I would be signing this to say I know your parents, who I have never met" and she told me her dad had phoned the school and they said her form tutor would sign it! Complete rubbish of course, they would have said it was up to me. Given that I have never met either of her parents, I know the family is into all sorts of dodgy stuff and it being right before the holidays I would have needed to put my PERSONAL contact information on there she really had no chance.

Dad phoned the school later to make a complaint about me because "he was going to have to pay the doctor now!" Maybe I should have just said OK, but there is a £20 fee to pay!

Melissa22_Mum

Quite right to. I'm glad you refused to do so, as your personal information and a contact number is required.

That was what puzzled me to, the doctor who signed it I have seen only once, the doctor I asked to sign it I've seen twice. The nurse I wanted to sign it wasn't allowed