GPs told not to write benefit support letters

GPs in south east Wales are being advised to stop writing letters for patients who are appealing benefit decisions.

In a recent newsletter sent to doctors, Bro Taf Local Medical Committee (LMC) stated that recent changes to the benefits system may impact on GPs with affected patients asking for letters to confirm care needs or medical conditions.

The LMC has provided doctors with a draft letter for them to give to patients, carers or any body asking for medical evidence.

The newsletter states: "GPs need to have a consistent approach to this issue and colleagues who do this work make it more difficult for others to resist and it spreads the belief with patients and local authorities that GPs are happy to take on this non contracted and unfunded work."