Letter for Depression

[DeeJF 32]

Hi all,

 

I've read so many of you having a nightmare of a time getting information from your GP and now it seems my fiance is in the same boat. Does anyone know if Knightsbridge will accept a note from a counselor that treated him in place of a letter from his GP? This would be a letter detailing his depression and that he's not a threat to himself or others, etc. If not, any tips on how to receive this from the GP (go in person? formal request?) would be greatly appreciated! 

[Mother of Moomin 25]

A letter from your counselor should be adequate. If for peace of mind you still wanted a medical letter from your GP, especially one from one that doesn’t know you (as was the case with me) consider providing them with this outline and a note explaining your history in your own words and how you are currently feeling. It might provide some helpful insight to an otherwise reluctant GP.

 

 This is the outline I provided My GP with as the basis for my letter:

 

Diagnosis?

 

Treatment?

 

Duration of treatment and illness?

 

Any prior or subsequent mental health or illness?

 

Have there been any incidents of self harm, harm to others or suicide attempts?

 

What is the prognosis and your opinion of the patients mental state. Is she a risk to herself or to others?

 

 Use your appointment time to discuss your history and current mental state and explain that these questions need to be addressed in the letter.

 

Sometimes spoon feeding is the best approach. It certainly worked for me.

 

Good luck deary.

 

 

[fip & jim 452]

I found it more effective to write a letter the GP detailing exactly what is needed, as Halee said, and take it in to the surgery and hand it in person to the practice administrator. I also showed her the print out of the requirements from Knightsbridge and she kept that for reference because she'd never been asked for a "medical summary" before. Then if they still don't understand they can then ask your fiance questions. In all it took a little under four weeks for them to do it and I had to pay about fifty pounds for the two letters (one for me and one for my son), but the fee can vary for each surgery. Don't expect a receptionist to know what you're asking for, it's not something they are regularly asked. I also got letters from my son's specialists to cover all bases. If you have extensive notes for the panel physician to review (e.g. more than 3 A4 size letters) it's best to inform Knightsbridge so they can give you extra time for the appointment. 

[DeeJF 32]

1 hour ago, Halee said:

Sometimes spoon feeding is the best approach. It certainly worked for me.

 

Good luck deary.

 

 

Thank you so much this is super helpful! Spoon feeding sounds like the way to go. Fingers crossed. 

52 minutes ago, fip & jim said:

I found it more effective to write a letter the GP detailing exactly what is needed, as Halee said, and take it in to the surgery and hand it in person to the practice administrator. I also showed her the print out of the requirements from Knightsbridge and she kept that for reference because she'd never been asked for a "medical summary" before. Then if they still don't understand they can then ask your fiance questions. In all it took a little under four weeks for them to do it and I had to pay about fifty pounds for the two letters (one for me and one for my son), but the fee can vary for each surgery. Don't expect a receptionist to know what you're asking for, it's not something they are regularly asked. I also got letters from my son's specialists to cover all bases. If you have extensive notes for the panel physician to review (e.g. more than 3 A4 size letters) it's best to inform Knightsbridge so they can give you extra time for the appointment. 

Thank you for this info! Will plan to provide an outline and detailed letter!